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2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k

46 Ranked Colleges
13,660 Degrees Awarded
$8,000 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k

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 in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

In 2020-2021, 73,813 people earned their degree in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, making the major the 15th most popular in the United States. In 2019-2020, parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $31,423 and had an average of $24,388 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Far Western US region, there were 13,660 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $31,616 and $20,987 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking looked at 46 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

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When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k” list to help you make the college decision.

One of our other unique offerings is College Combat. This tool lets you build your own customized comparisons utilizing the factors that are most important to you. Test it out by comparing your favorite schools against others you are considering, or bookmark the tool so you can experiment with it later.

Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k

The colleges and universities below are the best for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies (Income $0-$30k) in the Far Western US Region

1

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California State University - Los Angeles. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k. California State University - Los Angeles is a large public school situated in Los Angeles, California. It awarded 339 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k list, Cal State LA has also earned the #24 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Los Angeles is $1,887 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.6% 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 California State University - Los Angeles Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

2
Mt. SAC crest
Mt. San Antonio College
Walnut, California

Out of the 46 schools in the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Mt. San Antonio College landed the #2 spot on the list. Mt. San Antonio College is a large public school situated in Walnut, California. It awarded 521 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Mt. San Antonio College is $2,412 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Mt. SAC

3

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 Making $0-$30k list. Fresno, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 323 students in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Fresno State, the school also landed the #21 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Fresno State is $3,859 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at California State University - Fresno

4

Out of the 46 schools in the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, California State University - Fullerton landed the #4 spot on the list. Cal State Fullerton is a public institution located in Fullerton, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 581 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Cal State Fullerton, the school also landed the #17 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $4,590 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend California State University - Fullerton.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 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, & Fitness Studies at Cal State Fullerton

5

Out of the 46 schools in the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, California State University - Long Beach landed the #5 spot on the list. CSULB is a large school located in Long Beach, California that handed out 491 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

CSULB also made our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #12. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Long Beach is $6,663 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

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%.

Full CSULB Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

6
Wazzu crest
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington

Washington State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #6. Pullman, Washington is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 156 students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k list, Wazzu has also earned the #2 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Washington State University is $7,689 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Wazzu

7

California State University - Dominguez Hills came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. CSUDH is a public institution located in Carson, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 163 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend California State University - Dominguez Hills is $2,657 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full CSUDH Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

8
SDSU crest
San Diego State University
San Diego, California

San Diego State University landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. San Diego, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 454 students in 2020-2021.

SDSU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #4 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for San Diego State University is $7,169 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. 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%.

Full SDSU Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

9

California State University - Sacramento did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #9. California State University - Sacramento is located in Sacramento, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 404 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

Sac State also made our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #13. It costs about $8,163 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k 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 more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at California State University - Sacramento

10

California State University - Northridge ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. California State University - Northridge is a public institution located in Northridge, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 495 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

CSUN also took the #25 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend CSUN is $6,266 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.7% 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%.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at CSUN

11

University of Nevada - Las Vegas landed the #11 spot on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This large school is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it awarded 265 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k list, UNLV has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $8,991 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend University of Nevada - Las Vegas.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full University of Nevada - Las Vegas Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

12

With a ranking of #12, California State University - San Bernardino did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. This fairly large school is located in San Bernardino, California, and it awarded 202 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for CSUSB is $5,985 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

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%. 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, & Fitness Studies at CSUSB

13

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo is a large school located in San Luis Obispo, California that handed out 227 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo is $12,173 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

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%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%.

Full California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

14

California State University - Stanislaus came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Stan State is a public institution located in Turlock, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 107 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $4,122 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend California State University - Stanislaus.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.3% 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%. 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 more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Stan State

15

California State University - Chico ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Chico State is located in Chico, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 325 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

Chico State also made our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #11. It costs about $11,754 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Chico State.

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 California State University - Chico Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

16
San Jose State crest
San Jose State University
San Jose, California

San Jose State University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in San Jose, California, this large public school handed out 290 diplomas to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k list, San Jose State has also earned the #7 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend San Jose State University is $12,158 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%. 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 Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

17
CWU crest
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, Washington

Central Washington University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #17. Ellensburg, Washington is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 129 students in 2020-2021.

CWU also took the #14 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend CWU is $10,796 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Central Washington University

18

California State University - East Bay landed the #18 spot on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. California State University - East Bay is located in Hayward, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 239 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

The yearly cost to attend California State University - East Bay is $9,975 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.4% 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 California State University - East Bay Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

19

With a ranking of #19, California State University - San Marcos did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. San Marcos, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 183 students in 2020-2021.

CSUSM not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #19 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. It costs about $9,397 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend CSUSM.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at CSUSM

20

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. California State Polytechnic University - Pomona is a large public school situated in Pomona, California. It awarded 201 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $10,349 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Cal Poly Pomona.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 87%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Cal Poly Pomona

21
WWU crest
Western Washington University
Bellingham, Washington

With a ranking of #21, Western Washington University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Bellingham, Washington is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 116 students in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at WWU, the school also landed the #23 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend WWU is $9,979 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Western Washington University

22
SFSU crest
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, California

With a ranking of #22, San Francisco State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. San Francisco State University is located in San Francisco, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 274 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k list, SFSU has also earned the #20 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend SFSU is $10,705 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full San Francisco State University Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

23
Oregon State crest
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon

With a ranking of #23, Oregon State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. This large school is located in Corvallis, Oregon, and it awarded 253 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Oregon State, the school also landed the #6 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Oregon State is $15,242 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k.

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 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%.

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

24

University of Hawaii at Manoa ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Hawaii at Manoa is located in Honolulu, Hawaii and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 108 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

It costs about $10,124 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UH Manoa.

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, & Fitness Studies at University of Hawaii at Manoa

25

Eastern Washington University ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Cheney, Washington is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 39 students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $7,657 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Eastern Washington University.

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%.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Eastern Washington University

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