Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies

Find Schools Near

2022 Best Value Master’s Degree Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies (Income $48-$75k) in the Plains States Region

26 Ranked Colleges
603 Degrees Awarded
$16,600 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master's in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. 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 for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking - to help you make that decision.

In 2019-2020, 72,122 people earned their degree in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, making the major the 15th most popular in the United States. In 2017-2018, parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $29,823 and had an average of $24,576 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Plains States region, there were 5,808 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $29,644 and $24,923 respectively. At the master’s degree level specifically, there were 603 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $53,438 and $39,783 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking looked at 26 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.

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, leisure, and fitness studies program at the school. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools

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 for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k”.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k.

Top 25 Best Value Master’s Degree Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies (Income $48-$75k) in the Plains States Region

#1

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota
#1 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. It ranked #1 on our 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Minneapolis, Minnesota is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s parks and rec degrees to 33 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UMN Twin Cities, the school also landed the #1 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UMN Twin Cities are $28,845.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at UMN Twin Cities

#13 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Missouri - Columbia. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k. University of Missouri - Columbia is a large school located in Columbia, Missouri that handed out 7 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

Mizzou also took the #13 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Mizzou are $27,193, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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

Out of the 26 schools in the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, Iowa State University landed the #3 spot on the list. This large school is located in Ames, Iowa, and it awarded 3 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our plains states region master’s degree parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k list, Iowa State has also earned the #0 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Iowa State University are $25,948, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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

#4

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa
#5 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Northern Iowa. It ranked #4 on our 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. UNI is a medium-sized public school situated in Cedar Falls, Iowa. It awarded 21 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UNI, the school also landed the #5 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UNI are $22,648.

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

#5

University of Mary

Bismarck, North Dakota
#3 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Mary. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. University of Mary is a private not-for-profit institution located in Bismarck, North Dakota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 15 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our plains states region master’s degree parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k list, UMary has also earned the #3 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UMary are $17,861, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at University of Mary

#6

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota
#11 in overall quality

University of North Dakota came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 11 masters’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

UND not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UND are $18,326, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

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

#6 in overall quality

Minnesota State University - Mankato came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Mankato, Minnesota is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s parks and rec degrees to 41 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our plains states region master’s degree parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k list, Minnesota State Mankato has also earned the #6 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Minnesota State Mankato are $8,788, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Minnesota State University - Mankato Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

#8

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, Minnesota

With a ranking of #8, Saint Cloud State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. St. Cloud State University is a fairly large public school situated in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. It awarded 3 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

St. Cloud State University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #0 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Saint Cloud State University are $12,904.

Full Saint Cloud State University Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

#17 in overall quality

University of Nebraska at Omaha ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, this fairly large public school handed out 29 diplomas to qualified masters’s parks and rec students in 2019-2020.

UNOMAHA also made our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #17. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Nebraska at Omaha are $16,374.

Full University of Nebraska at Omaha Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

#10

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa
#2 in overall quality

University of Iowa did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #10. Iowa is located in Iowa City, Iowa and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 22 masters’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

Iowa also made our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #2. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Iowa are $27,613, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of Iowa Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

#22 in overall quality

Northwest Missouri State University ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Northwest Missouri State University is a medium-sized school located in Maryville, Missouri that handed out 22 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Northwest, the school also landed the #22 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Northwest are $6,673.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Northwest Missouri State University

#12

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, Missouri
#12 in overall quality

University of Central Missouri ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. UCM is a public institution located in Warrensburg, Missouri. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 38 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UCM also took the #12 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UCM are $16,394, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of Central Missouri Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

#13

Concordia University, Saint Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota
#9 in overall quality

Concordia University, Saint Paul did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #13. Concordia University, Saint Paul is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 53 masters’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

Concordia University, Saint Paul not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #9 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Concordia University, Saint Paul are $8,550, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Concordia University, Saint Paul

#14

South Dakota State University

Brookings, South Dakota
#7 in overall quality

With a ranking of #14, South Dakota State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. South Dakota State is a fairly large school located in Brookings, South Dakota that handed out 10 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

South Dakota State also made our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #7. Average graduate tuition and fees at South Dakota State University are $16,743, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at South Dakota State University

#15

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas
#24 in overall quality

With a ranking of #15, Wichita State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. WSU is located in Wichita, Kansas and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 34 masters’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

WSU also took the #24 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at WSU are $15,112, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

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

#16

Augustana University

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
#4 in overall quality

Augustana University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Augustana University is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It awarded 10 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our plains states region master’s degree parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k list, Augustana Sioux Falls has also earned the #4 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Augustana University are $36,480.

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

#17

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, Missouri
#8 in overall quality

Lindenwood University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #17. This medium-sized school is located in Saint Charles, Missouri, and it awarded 23 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

Lindenwood University also took the #8 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Lindenwood University are $9,550, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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

#23 in overall quality

Missouri State University - Springfield did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #18. Located in Springfield, Missouri, this large public school awarded 7 degrees to qualified masters’s parks and rec students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our plains states region master’s degree parks & rec students whose families make $48-$75k list, Missouri State has also earned the #23 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Missouri State University - Springfield are $12,042.

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

#19

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota
#15 in overall quality

University of South Dakota ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. This medium-sized school is located in Vermillion, South Dakota, and it awarded 31 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

USD did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #15 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at USD are $12,637, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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

#20

Northern State University

Aberdeen, South Dakota
#21 in overall quality

Northern State University ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Aberdeen, South Dakota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s parks and rec degrees to 13 students in 2019-2020.

NSU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #21 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at NSU are $11,814, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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

#21

Baker University

Baldwin City, Kansas
#14 in overall quality

Baker University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Baker is located in Baldwin City, Kansas and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 13 masters’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

Baker not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #14 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Baker are $11,844, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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

#22

Avila University

Kansas City, Missouri
#19 in overall quality

Avila University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #22. Avila is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Kansas City, Missouri. It awarded 9 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

Avila also took the #19 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Avila are $7,798.

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

#23

Grand View University

Des Moines, Iowa
#10 in overall quality

Grand View University ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 13 degrees to qualified masters’s parks and rec students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Grand View University, the school also landed the #10 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Grand View University are $9,170.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Grand View University

#18 in overall quality

Concordia University, Nebraska did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #24. Concordia University, Nebraska is located in Seward, Nebraska and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 14 masters’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

Concordia University, Nebraska also took the #18 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Concordia University, Nebraska are $8,650, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Concordia University, Nebraska Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

#25

Upper Iowa University

Fayette, Iowa
#16 in overall quality

Upper Iowa University landed the #25 spot on the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Located in Fayette, Iowa, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 17 diplomas to qualified masters’s parks and rec students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UIU, the school also landed the #16 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UIU are $19,152, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

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

Switch to a Different Ranking Method

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

Footnotes

  • *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.

Credits

Featured Athletic Training Schools

Find Schools Near You