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2022 Best Value Master’s Degree Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies (Income $75-$110k) in California

20 Ranked Colleges
1,150 Degrees Awarded
$20,100 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master's in California For Those Making $75-$110k

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 for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this 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 California, there were 11,357 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $30,588 and $23,018 respectively. At the master’s degree level specifically, there were 1,150 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $60,281 and $50,119 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k” ranking analyzed 20 colleges that offered 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.

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.

One Size Does Not Fit All

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 California For Those Making $75-$110k”.

To further help you make the college decision, we’ve developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k.

Top 20 Best Value Master’s Degree Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies (Income $75-$110k) in California

#4 in overall quality

Out of the 20 schools in the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k that were part of this year’s ranking, California State University - Long Beach landed the #1 spot on the list. This large school is located in Long Beach, California, and it awarded 120 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at CSULB, the school also landed the #4 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at California State University - Long Beach are $17,784.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at California State University - Long Beach

#19 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California State University - Los Angeles. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k. California State University - Los Angeles is a public institution located in Los Angeles, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 9 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california master’s degree parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k list, Cal State LA has also earned the #19 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Cal State LA are $17,723.

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

#10 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California State University - Fullerton. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k. Located in Fullerton, California, this large public school awarded 36 diplomas to qualified masters’s parks and rec students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california master’s degree parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k list, Cal State Fullerton has also earned the #10 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Cal State Fullerton are $17,892, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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

#14 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California State University - Fresno. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k. Fresno State is a large public school situated in Fresno, California. It awarded 23 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

Fresno State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #14 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at California State University - Fresno are $17,581, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at California State University - Fresno

#16 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend California State University - Northridge. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k list. Located in Northridge, California, this large public school awarded 18 diplomas to qualified masters’s parks and rec students in 2019-2020.

CSUN also made our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” list, coming in at #16. Average graduate tuition and fees at CSUN are $17,955, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at California State University - Northridge

With a ranking of #6, California State University - Sacramento did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k list. Located in Sacramento, California, this large public school awarded 7 diplomas to qualified masters’s parks and rec students in 2019-2020.

Sac State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #0 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at California State University - Sacramento are $18,356.

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

#7

San Jose State University

San Jose, California
#8 in overall quality

San Jose State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k ranking, coming in at #7. San Jose State University is a large public school situated in San Jose, California. It awarded 29 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

San Jose State also made our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” list, coming in at #8. Average graduate tuition and fees at San Jose State University are $18,790, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

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

#8

San Diego State University

San Diego, California
#5 in overall quality

San Diego State University ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k list. Located in San Diego, California, this large public school handed out 8 degrees to qualified masters’s parks and rec students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california master’s degree parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k list, SDSU has also earned the #5 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at SDSU are $18,658, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k list. Cal Poly Pomona is located in Pomona, California and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 4 masters’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

Cal Poly Pomona also took the #0 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at California State Polytechnic University - Pomona are $18,377.

Full Cal Poly Pomona Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

#18 in overall quality

With a ranking of #10, California State University - East Bay did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k list. This fairly large school is located in Hayward, California, and it awarded 10 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

Cal State East Bay not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #18 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Cal State East Bay are $17,828.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at California State University - East Bay

#11

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, California
#12 in overall quality

With a ranking of #11, San Francisco State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k list. San Francisco State University is a large public school situated in San Francisco, California. It awarded 8 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at SFSU, the school also landed the #12 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at San Francisco State University are $17,944, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at San Francisco State University

#17 in overall quality

California State University - San Marcos did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k ranking, coming in at #12. This fairly large school is located in San Marcos, California, and it awarded 8 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

CSUSM also took the #17 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at California State University - San Marcos are $18,661, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

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

#13

Concordia University, Irvine

Irvine, California
#3 in overall quality

Concordia University, Irvine came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. Concordia University, Irvine is located in Irvine, California and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 452 masters’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

Concordia University, Irvine not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #3 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Concordia University, Irvine are $8,121, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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

#9 in overall quality

California State University - Chico landed the #14 spot on the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. California State University - Chico is a fairly large public school situated in Chico, California. It awarded 19 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

Chico State also took the #9 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Chico State are $18,802, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

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

#15

California Baptist University

Riverside, California
#6 in overall quality

California Baptist University landed the #15 spot on the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. Cal Baptist is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Riverside, California. It awarded 103 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Cal Baptist, the school also landed the #6 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at California Baptist University are $14,140, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

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

#15

Humboldt State University

Arcata, California

With a ranking of #15, Humboldt State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k list. Humboldt State University is a medium-sized school located in Arcata, California that handed out 7 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

Humboldt 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 California” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Humboldt State University are $18,802, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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

#1 in overall quality

Saint Mary’s College of California landed the #17 spot on the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. Saint Mary’s College of California is a private not-for-profit institution located in Moraga, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 21 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california master’s degree parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k list, SMC has also earned the #1 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at SMC are $33,509, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Saint Mary’s College of California

#18

University of the Pacific

Stockton, California
#13 in overall quality

University of the Pacific did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k ranking, coming in at #18. Pacific is located in Stockton, California and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 10 masters’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our california master’s degree parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k list, Pacific has also earned the #13 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Pacific are $49,374.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at University of the Pacific

#19

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, California
#7 in overall quality

Point Loma Nazarene University landed the #19 spot on the 2022 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. San Diego, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out masters’s parks and rec degrees to 64 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at PLNU, the school also landed the #7 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Point Loma Nazarene University are $11,880.

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

#20

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, California
#2 in overall quality

University of San Francisco came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools for a Master’s in California For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. University of San Francisco is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in San Francisco, California. It awarded 95 masters’s parks and rec degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california master’s degree parks & rec students whose families make $75-$110k list, USFCA has also earned the #2 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of San Francisco are $26,710, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

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

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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.

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