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2023 Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies (Income $48-$75k) in the Far Western US Region

46 Ranked Colleges
13,660 Degrees Awarded
Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking - to help you make that decision.

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies is the 15th most popular major in the country with 73,813 degrees awarded in 2020-2021. 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.

For this year’s “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking, we looked at 46 colleges that offer a degree in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

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Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

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. 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 in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k

The colleges and universities below are the best for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies (Income $48-$75k) in the Far Western US Region

1
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 $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, Mt. San Antonio College landed the #1 spot on the list. Mt. San Antonio College is a large school located in Walnut, California that handed out 521 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $5,768 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Mt. San Antonio College.

Full Mt. San Antonio College Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

2

Out of the 46 schools in the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, California State University - Los Angeles landed the #2 spot on the list. This large school is located in Los Angeles, California, and it awarded 339 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

Cal State LA also made our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #24. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Los Angeles is $5,700 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

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%.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Cal State LA

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 $48-$75k list. This large school is located in Fresno, California, and it awarded 323 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k list, Fresno State has also earned the #21 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 - Fresno is $8,030 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

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

4

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend California State University - Fullerton. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Located in Fullerton, California, this large public school handed out 581 degrees to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.

Cal State Fullerton also made our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #17. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Fullerton is $9,017 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%. 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%.

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

5

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend California State University - Dominguez Hills. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. This fairly large school is located in Carson, California, and it awarded 163 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $6,333 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend California State University - Dominguez Hills.

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

6

California State University - Long Beach ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. This large school is located in Long Beach, California, and it awarded 491 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k list, CSULB has also earned the #12 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $11,189 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend California State University - Long Beach.

With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full California State University - Long Beach Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

7

California State University - Sacramento ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. 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 not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Sacramento is $12,602 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.9% 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%.

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

8

University of Nevada - Las Vegas landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. This large school is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it awarded 265 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

UNLV did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #9 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for UNLV is $11,929 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.9% 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%.

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

9

California State University - San Bernardino landed the #9 spot on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. San Bernardino, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 202 students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for California State University - San Bernardino is $9,854 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

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 more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at CSUSB

10
SDSU crest
San Diego State University
San Diego, California

San Diego State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #10. This large school is located in San Diego, California, and it awarded 454 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

SDSU also made our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #4. It costs about $14,698 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend SDSU.

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.

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

11

With a ranking of #11, California State University - Northridge did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. CSUN 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 made our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #25. The yearly cost to attend CSUN is $10,780 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

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%.

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

12
Wazzu crest
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington

Washington State University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. 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.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Wazzu, the school also landed the #2 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Wazzu is $14,233 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

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%.

Full Washington State University Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

13

With a ranking of #13, California State University - Stanislaus did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Turlock, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 107 students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $7,976 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend California State University - Stanislaus.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, 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 3.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Stan State Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

14

California State University - East Bay did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #14. 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.

It costs about $15,615 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Cal State East Bay.

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, & Fitness Studies at California State University - East Bay

15

California State University - San Marcos did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #15. This fairly large school is located in San Marcos, California, and it awarded 183 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

CSUSM also took the #19 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend CSUSM is $14,309 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

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

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

San Jose State University landed the #16 spot on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. This large school is located in San Jose, California, and it awarded 290 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k 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. It costs about $17,338 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend San Jose State.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

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

17

California State University - Chico did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #17. Located in Chico, California, this fairly large public school handed out 325 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 $48-$75k list, Chico State has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Chico is $16,738 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

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

18
CWU crest
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, Washington

With a ranking of #18, Central Washington University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, Washington and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 129 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

CWU also made our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #14. The estimated yearly cost for CWU is $17,235 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

Full Central Washington University Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

19

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #19. Located in Pomona, California, this large public school handed out 201 degrees to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $15,958 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend California State Polytechnic University - Pomona.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 87%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

20

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo is a large public school situated in San Luis Obispo, California. It awarded 227 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo also took the #1 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo is $17,340 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

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

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

21

University of Hawaii at Manoa landed the #21 spot on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. University of Hawaii at Manoa is a public institution located in Honolulu, Hawaii. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 108 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $15,183 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend University of Hawaii at Manoa.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full University of Hawaii at Manoa Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

22

Eastern Washington University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. 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.

The yearly cost to attend EWU is $12,224 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

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%.

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

23
SFSU crest
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, California

With a ranking of #23, San Francisco State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. SFSU is a large public school situated in San Francisco, California. It awarded 274 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

SFSU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #20 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. It costs about $16,065 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend San Francisco State University.

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%.

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

24

Southern Oregon University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #24. Southern Oregon University is a medium-sized public school situated in Ashland, Oregon. It awarded 64 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Southern Oregon University is $11,223 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

Full Southern Oregon University Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

25
WWU crest
Western Washington University
Bellingham, Washington

Western Washington University landed the #25 spot on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Located in Bellingham, Washington, this fairly large public school handed out 116 degrees to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.

WWU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #23 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for WWU is $16,819 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make $48-$75k.

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, & Fitness Studies at WWU

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