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2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k

69 Ranked Colleges
3,106 Degrees Awarded
$17,800 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. College Factual has developed its “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

In 2020-2021, 3,106 people earned their degree in parks, recreation and leisure studies, making the major the 166th most popular in the United States. In 2019-2020, parks, recreation and leisure studies graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $31,801 and had an average of $23,333 in loans still to pay off.

This year’s “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k” ranking analyzed 69 colleges that offered a degree in parks, recreation and leisure studies. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent parks, recreation and leisure studies programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the parks, recreation and leisure studies program at the school. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

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Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

We’ve created a tool called College Combat that lets you create your own customized comparisons based on the factors that matter the most to you. We encourage you to try it out and pit your favorite colleges and universities head to head! If you don’t have time right now, you can bookmark it for later.

Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k

The colleges and universities below are the best for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies (Income $75-$110k)

1

Out of the 69 schools in the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k that were part of this year’s ranking, Brigham Young University - Provo landed the #1 spot on the list. Brigham Young University - Provo is a private not-for-profit institution located in Provo, Utah. The school has a large population, and it awarded 110 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

BYU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #4 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” list. The yearly cost to attend BYU is $15,777 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 92%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full BYU Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report

2

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend California State University - Long Beach. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k list. CSULB is located in Long Beach, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 91 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k list, CSULB has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” ranking. It costs about $15,101 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend California State University - Long Beach.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at CSULB

3

Out of the 69 schools in the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k that were part of this year’s ranking, Indiana University - Bloomington landed the #3 spot on the list. Bloomington, Indiana is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 160 students in 2020-2021.

IU Bloomington also made our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” list, coming in at #2. The estimated yearly cost for Indiana University - Bloomington is $20,234 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full IU Bloomington Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report

4

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is located in Champaign, Illinois and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 142 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

UIUC also made our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” list, coming in at #1. It costs about $22,400 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

5

Out of the 69 schools in the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k that were part of this year’s ranking, Northwest Missouri State University landed the #5 spot on the list. Northwest Missouri State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Maryville, Missouri. It awarded 29 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Northwest, the school also landed the #20 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Northwest is $14,894 for Parks & Rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

Full Northwest Missouri State University Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report

6
U of U crest
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah

University of Utah did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k ranking, coming in at #6. This large school is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and it awarded 76 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

U of U also took the #6 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of Utah is $15,746 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at U of U

7

University of Northern Iowa ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k list. UNI is a public institution located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 60 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UNI, the school also landed the #8 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UNI is $18,318 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at University of Northern Iowa

8

California State University - Sacramento landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. California State University - Sacramento is a large public school situated in Sacramento, California. It awarded 100 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

Sac State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #14 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” list. The yearly cost to attend Sac State is $16,925 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Sac State

9

With a ranking of #9, California State University - Fresno did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k list. Fresno State is a large public school situated in Fresno, California. It awarded 37 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $12,789 for Parks & Rec students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend Fresno State.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 87%.

Read more about Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at California State University - Fresno

10
NAU crest
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona

Northern Arizona University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k ranking, coming in at #10. Northern Arizona University is a large public school situated in Flagstaff, Arizona. It awarded 59 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k list, NAU has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Northern Arizona University is $17,920 for Parks & Rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Northern Arizona University

11
Lehman crest
Lehman College
Bronx, New York

Lehman College landed the #11 spot on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. Lehman is a fairly large school located in Bronx, New York that handed out 26 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Lehman College is $9,585 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Lehman College

12

California State University - Chico ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k list. This fairly large school is located in Chico, California, and it awarded 99 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

Chico State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #7 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” list. The estimated yearly cost for Chico State is $20,708 for Parks & Rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full Chico State Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report

13
San Jose State crest
San Jose State University
San Jose, California

San Jose State University ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k list. Located in San Jose, California, this large public school handed out 40 degrees to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at San Jose State, the school also landed the #10 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” ranking. The yearly cost to attend San Jose State University is $21,035 for Parks & Rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full San Jose State University Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report

14
Winona State crest
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota

Winona State University ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k list. Winona State is a medium-sized school located in Winona, Minnesota that handed out 32 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

Winona State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” list. The estimated yearly cost for Winona State is $18,902 for Parks & Rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full Winona State Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report

15

With a ranking of #15, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k list. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a large school located in San Luis Obispo, California that handed out 119 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k list, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has also earned the #3 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” ranking. The yearly cost to attend California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo is $22,744 for Parks & Rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

16
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa

University of Iowa came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. Located in Iowa City, Iowa, this large public school awarded 53 diplomas to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.

Iowa did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” list. The yearly cost to attend University of Iowa is $20,719 for Parks & Rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 88%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full University of Iowa Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report

17

With a ranking of #17, Pittsburg State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k list. Pittsburg State University is a medium-sized school located in Pittsburg, Kansas that handed out 19 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k list, Pitt State has also earned the #25 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Pitt State is $17,269 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Pitt State

18

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k ranking, coming in at #18. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this large public school awarded 11 diplomas to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.

UMN Twin Cities also made our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” list, coming in at #12. The yearly cost to attend UMN Twin Cities is $18,938 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 93%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report

19
UARK crest
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas

University of Arkansas came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. Fayetteville, Arkansas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 77 students in 2020-2021.

UARK not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #19 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” list. The yearly cost to attend University of Arkansas is $19,053 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 85%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at UARK

20

Oklahoma State University - Main Campus came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. Located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, this large public school handed out 35 degrees to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k list, OSU has also earned the #18 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” ranking. It costs about $18,322 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend Oklahoma State University - Main Campus.

With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Oklahoma State University - Main Campus Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report

21

University of Nebraska at Kearney came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. This medium-sized school is located in Kearney, Nebraska, and it awarded 60 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

UNK also took the #22 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of Nebraska at Kearney is $19,463 for Parks & Rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at University of Nebraska at Kearney

22

University of Missouri - Columbia came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. Columbia, Missouri is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 116 students in 2020-2021.

Mizzou did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #15 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” list. The estimated yearly cost for Mizzou is $19,956 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%.

Read more about Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Mizzou

23
SUNY Cortland crest
SUNY Cortland
Cortland, New York

With a ranking of #23, SUNY Cortland did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k list. This medium-sized school is located in Cortland, New York, and it awarded 23 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k list, SUNY Cortland has also earned the #17 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for SUNY Cortland is $19,429 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at SUNY Cortland

24
Shepherd University crest
Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Shepherd University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k list. Shepherd University is a small school located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia that handed out 27 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $14,254 for parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend Shepherd University.

Read more about Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Shepherd University

25

Southern Oregon University ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools For Those Making $75-$110k list. This medium-sized school is located in Ashland, Oregon, and it awarded 27 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Southern Oregon University is $14,817 for Parks & Rec students whose families make $75-$110k.

Read more about Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Southern Oregon University

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