2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University tops our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure studies schools in the The Plains States Region. Set in the town of Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Students borrow a median of $19,661 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Pittsburg State University earn a median of $35,587 early in their careers. Set against $19,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.

2

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation & leisure studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $23,907. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $37,233. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.

3

University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Kearney, NE

A rank of #3 makes University Of Nebraska At Kearney one of the best values for parks, recreation & leisure studies. University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Kearney. Students from in state pay about $8,564 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from University Of Nebraska At Kearney generally make around $28,241. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney admits about 90% of applicants.

4

Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO

Northwest Missouri State University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. Located in the town of Maryville, Northwest Missouri State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $25,250. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Northwest Missouri State University earn a median of $42,389 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

5

Emporia State University
Emporia, KS

Emporia State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation & leisure studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Emporia, Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $7,106 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,419 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $23,131. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $46,440. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Emporia State University admits about 98% of applicants.

6

Winona State University
Winona, MN

Winona State University came in at #6 for value in parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. Located in the town of Winona, Winona State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $21,148 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Winona State University earn a median of $35,062 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,148 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

7

Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield landed the #7 spot for parks, recreation & leisure studies value this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $27,457. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $28,345. That is a strong return on a $27,457 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants.

8

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $38,725. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.