2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid
14
Ranked Colleges
787
Degrees Awarded
$14,200
Avg Net Price*
It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid” ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.
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.
Across the Far Western US region, there were 787 parks, recreation and leisure studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $33,514 and $19,115 respectively.
This year’s “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid” ranking looked at 14 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s 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.
One Size Does Not Fit All
The parks & rec school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid”.
You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.
Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid
The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid.
Top 14 Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies in the Far Western US Region (With Aid)
Out of the 14 schools in the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid that were part of this year’s ranking, California State University - Long Beach landed the #1 spot on the list. Long Beach, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 91 students in 2020-2021.
CSULB also took the #3 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for CSULB is $10,054 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students with aid.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.4%, 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 89%.
Full CSULB Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California State University - Sacramento. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid. Sacramento, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 100 students in 2020-2021.
Sac State also made our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #5. It costs about $11,178 for far western us region parks & rec students with aid per year to attend California State University - Sacramento.
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 full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Sac State
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend California State University - Fresno. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid list. California State University - Fresno is a public institution located in Fresno, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 37 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Fresno State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #9 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. It costs about $6,230 for far western us region parks & rec students with aid per year to attend California State University - Fresno.
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%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at California State University - Fresno
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend San Jose State University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid list. This large school is located in San Jose, California, and it awarded 40 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at San Jose State, the school also landed the #4 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend San Jose State is $16,542 for far western us region parks & rec students with aid.
With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read more about Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at San Jose State
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California State University - Chico. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid. Located in Chico, California, this fairly large public school handed out 99 degrees to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.
Chico State also took the #2 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $16,218 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students with aid per year to attend California State University - Chico.
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
With a ranking of #6, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid list. This large school is located in San Luis Obispo, California, and it awarded 119 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #1 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. It costs about $20,677 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students with aid per year to attend California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 0.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Full Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report
California State University - East Bay ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid list. Located in Hayward, California, this fairly large public school handed out 31 diplomas to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students with aid list, Cal State East Bay has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Cal State East Bay is $13,298 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students with aid.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Cal State East Bay
With a ranking of #8, San Francisco State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid list. SFSU is a large school located in San Francisco, California that handed out 46 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.
SFSU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #7 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. It costs about $14,459 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students with aid per year to attend SFSU.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read more about Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at SFSU
With a ranking of #9, San Diego State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid list. San Diego State University is a large public school situated in San Diego, California. It awarded 32 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.
SDSU also made our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #8. The estimated yearly cost for San Diego State University is $13,845 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students with aid.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.2% 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 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Read more about Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at San Diego State University
Eastern Washington University ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid list. EWU is a fairly large school located in Cheney, Washington that handed out 10 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students with aid list, EWU has also earned the #10 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $12,335 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students with aid per year to attend EWU.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Full Eastern Washington University Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report
Western Washington University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid ranking. Western Washington University is a public institution located in Bellingham, Washington. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 48 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
WWU also took the #6 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend WWU is $17,070 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students with aid.
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%.
Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Western Washington University
Southern Oregon University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid list. Southern Oregon University is a public institution located in Ashland, Oregon. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 27 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at Southern Oregon University, the school also landed the #13 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $10,187 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students with aid per year to attend Southern Oregon University.
Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Southern Oregon University
Humboldt State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #13. Humboldt State University is a medium-sized school located in Arcata, California that handed out 31 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.
Humboldt State University also took the #14 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Humboldt State University is $14,956 for far western us region parks & rec students with aid.
Full Humboldt State University Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report
Oregon State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #14. This large school is located in Corvallis, Oregon, and it awarded 14 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students with aid list, Oregon State has also earned the #12 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Oregon State is $21,508 for far western us region parks & rec students with aid.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.8% 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 85%.
Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Oregon State
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Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students in the Far Western US Region
Most Focused Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students in the Far Western US Region
Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies in the Far Western US Region (With Aid)
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students getting aid in the Far Western US Region
Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies (Income $30-$48k) in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students with family income $30-$48k in the Far Western US Region
Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies (Income $75-$110k) in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students with family income $75-$110k in the Far Western US Region
Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students in the Far Western US Region
Highest Paid Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Graduates in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students in the Far Western US Region
Most Popular Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students in the Far Western US Region
Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies (Income $0-$30k) in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students with family income less than $30k in the Far Western US Region
Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies (Income $48-$75k) in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students with family income $48-$75k in the Far Western US Region
Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies (Income Over $110k) in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students with family income exceeding $110k in the Far Western US Region
Notes and References
References
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
- Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.
Read more about our data sources and methodologies
- *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
- Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.
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