2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in Oregon
[Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/parks-recreation-leisure-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 2 schools to find the best return on investment for parks, recreation & leisure studies students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in Oregon
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the parks, recreation & leisure studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools
Southern Oregon University earned the #1 spot for value among parks, recreation & leisure studies schools in Oregon. Set in the suburb of Ashland, Southern Oregon University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,762, compared with $31,887 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $24,951 in student loans. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Southern Oregon University earn a median of $19,139 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Oregon University admits about 89% of applicants.
Oregon State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. Set in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Oregon State University generally make around $34,451. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants.
Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 2 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
- 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).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
