College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2023 Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies (Income Over $110k) in the Far Western US Region

45 Ranked Colleges
13,660 Degrees Awarded
$20,100 Avg Net Price*
Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

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 Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k” ranking analyzed 45 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.

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. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Rankings by Degree Other Award Levels
Rankings by Location Check Out Other Locales
More Parks & Rec Rankings Other Ranking Categories

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 Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k”.

We’ve created a tool called College Combat that lets you create your own customized comparisons based on the factors that matter the most to you. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.

16207131911625416556186021357920499223182368418714224661781824588253842422015834215512774022007205811452821205231012349318760

Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies (Income Over $110k) in the Far Western US Region

1

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Nevada - Las Vegas. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k list. University of Nevada - Las Vegas is a large public school situated in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 more than $110k 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 $10,993 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make more than $110k per year to attend UNLV.

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

2

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 Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k. Located in Los Angeles, California, this large public school handed out 339 degrees to qualified ’s parks and rec students 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 estimated yearly cost for Cal State LA is $3,302 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k.

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

3

Out of the 45 schools in the Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k that were part of this year’s ranking, California State University - Fresno landed the #3 spot on the list. Fresno State is a large school located in Fresno, California that handed out 323 ’s parks and rec degrees 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 yearly cost to attend California State University - Fresno is $6,230 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make more than $110k.

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%. 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 California State University - Fresno

4

Out of the 45 schools in the Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k that were part of this year’s ranking, California State University - Fullerton landed the #4 spot on the list. California State University - Fullerton is a large public school situated in Fullerton, California. It awarded 581 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

Cal State Fullerton did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #17 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Cal State Fullerton is $8,003 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make more than $110k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.5% 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 Cal State Fullerton Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

5

Out of the 45 schools in the Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k that were part of this year’s ranking, California State University - Long Beach landed the #5 spot on the list. This large school is located in Long Beach, California, and it awarded 491 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

CSULB also took the #12 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for CSULB is $10,054 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make more than $110k.

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

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

6

California State University - Dominguez Hills came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking. Located in Carson, California, this fairly large public school awarded 163 degrees to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $4,026 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k 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 California State University - Dominguez Hills Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

7

California State University - Sacramento came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking. California State University - Sacramento is a large public school situated in Sacramento, California. It awarded 404 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

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 $11,178 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k per year to attend California State University - Sacramento.

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

8
SDSU crest
San Diego State University
San Diego, California

San Diego State University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k 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.

In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students whose families make more than $110k list, SDSU has also earned the #4 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend SDSU is $13,845 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 89%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

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

9
Wazzu crest
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington

Washington State University landed the #9 spot on the 2023 Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k 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.

In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students whose families make more than $110k list, Wazzu has also earned the #2 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $15,300 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k per year to attend Wazzu.

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%.

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

10

California State University - Northridge landed the #10 spot on the 2023 Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking. California State University - Northridge is located in Northridge, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 495 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

CSUN also took the #25 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Northridge is $8,523 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k.

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 California State University - Northridge

11
CWU crest
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, Washington

Central Washington University landed the #11 spot on the 2023 Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking. Central Washington University is a fairly large public school situated in Ellensburg, Washington. It awarded 129 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at CWU, the school also landed the #14 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $16,514 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make more than $110k per year to attend Central Washington University.

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

12

With a ranking of #12, California State University - San Bernardino did quite well on the 2023 Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k list. California State University - San Bernardino is a public institution located in San Bernardino, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 202 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for CSUSB is $8,107 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make more than $110k.

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 4.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

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

13
San Jose State crest
San Jose State University
San Jose, California

San Jose State University ranked #13 on this year’s Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k list. San Jose State is located in San Jose, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 290 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students whose families make more than $110k 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 estimated yearly cost for San Jose State University is $16,542 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k.

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%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

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

14
Oregon State crest
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon

With a ranking of #14, Oregon State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k 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 $21,508 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.8% 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 85%.

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

15

California State University - Chico did quite well in the 2023 Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking, coming in at #15. California State University - Chico 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 not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. It costs about $16,218 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k per year to attend Chico State.

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%.

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

16

California State University - Stanislaus did quite well in the 2023 Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking, coming in at #16. Located in Turlock, California, this fairly large public school awarded 107 diplomas to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Stan State is $6,566 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k.

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 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 California State University - Stanislaus

17

California State University - San Marcos came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking. 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.

In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students whose families make more than $110k list, CSUSM has also earned the #19 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 - San Marcos is $13,218 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k.

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%.

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

18

With a ranking of #18, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo did quite well on the 2023 Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k list. 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.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the school also landed 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 $20,677 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k.

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%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

19

California State University - East Bay did quite well in the 2023 Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking, coming in at #19. California State University - East Bay is a fairly large public school situated in Hayward, California. It awarded 239 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Cal State East Bay is $13,298 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make more than $110k.

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%.

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

20

University of Hawaii at Manoa came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking. This fairly large school is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, and it awarded 108 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for UH Manoa is $14,687 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.5% 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 University of Hawaii at Manoa Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Report

21

Southern Oregon University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking. Located in Ashland, Oregon, this medium-sized public school awarded 64 diplomas to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Southern Oregon University is $10,187 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make more than $110k.

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

22

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona did quite well in the 2023 Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking, coming in at #22. Located in Pomona, California, this large public school awarded 201 diplomas to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $14,304 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make more than $110k per year to attend Cal Poly Pomona.

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%. 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 full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Cal Poly Pomona

23
WWU crest
Western Washington University
Bellingham, Washington

With a ranking of #23, Western Washington University did quite well on the 2023 Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k list. WWU is located in Bellingham, Washington and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 116 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.

WWU also took the #23 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Western Washington University is $17,070 for far western us region parks & rec students whose families make more than $110k.

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 WWU

24
SFSU crest
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, California

San Francisco State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking, coming in at #24. SFSU is a public institution located in San Francisco, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 274 ’s 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. The estimated yearly cost for San Francisco State University is $14,459 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k.

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%.

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

25

Eastern Washington University landed the #25 spot on the 2023 Best Vallue Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking. Eastern Washington University is a fairly large school located in Cheney, Washington that handed out 39 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Eastern Washington University is $12,335 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students whose families make more than $110k.

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

Switch to a Different Ranking Method

Notes and References

References

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

Credits

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options