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2026 Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Michigan

18 Colleges in the United States
2,075 Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Degrees Awarded
$37,703 Avg Early-Career Salary

Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 44 schools to find the best for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies in Michigan

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies

1

No school ranked higher than University Of Michigan Ann Arbor this year for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 377 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $42,490 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,135 to complete this degree. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

2
Oakland University crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

A rank of #2 makes Oakland University one of the top schools for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public university. About 58% of students finish within six years. Oakland University awarded about 43 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $54,785 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,972. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Oakland University

3
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Students looking for a strong parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program will find one at Michigan State University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 323 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Michigan State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Michigan State University earn around $37,257 in the first couple years of their career. Michigan State University graduates carry a median of $25,788 in student loans. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Michigan State University

4

A rank of #4 makes Michigan Technological University one of the top schools for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Houghton. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. There were roughly 24 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Michigan Technological University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Michigan Technological University generally make around $64,652. Students borrow a median of $20,091 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Michigan Technological University

5

A rank of #5 makes Grand Valley State University one of the top schools for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Grand Valley State University is a very large public school located in the town of Allendale. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. Grand Valley State University awarded about 235 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $29,913 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,300. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Grand Valley State University

6

Siena Heights University came in at #6 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Siena Heights University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Adrian. About 39% of students finish within six years. Siena Heights University awarded about 21 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $52,293 in their early career. Siena Heights University graduates carry a median of $25,790 in student loans. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Siena Heights University

7
Central Michigan University crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University earned the #7 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This large public university is located in the town of Mount Pleasant. The six-year graduation rate is 59%. Central Michigan University awarded about 179 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Central Michigan University earn a median of $36,910 early in their careers. Central Michigan University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Central Michigan University

8

Western Michigan University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Western Michigan University is a large public school located in the city of Kalamazoo. Western Michigan University graduates 58% of students within six years. There were roughly 116 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Western Michigan University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $35,152. Western Michigan University graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Western Michigan University

9
Spring Arbor University crest
Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor, MI

Spring Arbor University placed #9 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the rural area of Spring Arbor. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. Spring Arbor University awarded about 17 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Spring Arbor University earn a median of $53,080 early in their careers. Spring Arbor University graduates carry a median of $28,268 in student loans. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Spring Arbor University

10

Wayne State University came in at #10 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Detroit. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. Wayne State University awarded about 159 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Wayne State University earn a median of $45,568 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,689 to complete this degree. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Wayne State University

11
Calvin College crest
Calvin College
Grand Rapids, MI

Calvin College earned the #11 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Calvin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Grand Rapids. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. About 34 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Calvin College in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Calvin College earn a median of $26,309 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $24,833. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Calvin College

12
Madonna University crest
Madonna University
Livonia, MI

Madonna University placed #12 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Madonna University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Livonia. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. About 18 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Madonna University in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Madonna University earn a median of $56,984 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,896. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Madonna University

13
Lake Superior State University crest
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste Marie, MI

Lake Superior State University placed #13 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the town of Sault Ste Marie, Lake Superior State University is a small public university. Lake Superior State University graduates 50% of students within six years. Lake Superior State University awarded about 21 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $47,910 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $22,429 to complete this degree. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Lake Superior State University

14

Northwood University Michigan placed #14 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Northwood University Michigan is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Midland. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. Northwood University Michigan awarded about 24 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Northwood University Michigan earn a median of $28,569 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,237 to complete this degree. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Northwood University Michigan

15
Hope College crest
Hope College
Holland, MI

Hope College came in at #15 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Hope College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Holland. Hope College graduates 80% of students within six years. There were roughly 23 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Hope College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Hope College earn around $25,862 in the first couple years of their career. Hope College graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Hope College

16

Macomb Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a very large public institution. There were roughly 20 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Macomb Community College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Macomb Community College earn around $38,758 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $9,862 to complete this degree. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Macomb Community College

17
Aquinas College Michigan crest
Aquinas College Michigan
Grand Rapids, MI

Aquinas College Michigan ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Grand Rapids, Aquinas College Michigan is a small private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 22 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Aquinas College Michigan in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Aquinas College Michigan earn around $27,301 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Aquinas College Michigan

18

Eastern Michigan University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. Eastern Michigan University awarded about 49 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Eastern Michigan University earn a median of $34,499 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,894 to complete this degree. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Eastern Michigan University

19
Adrian College crest
Adrian College
Adrian, MI

Adrian College placed #19 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Adrian. About 45% of students finish within six years. Adrian College awarded about 72 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Adrian College earn a median of $36,808 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Adrian College

20
Davenport University crest
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI

Davenport University earned the #20 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Grand Rapids, Davenport University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. Davenport University awarded about 44 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Davenport University earn a median of $34,380 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Davenport University

21
Delta College crest
Delta College
University Center, MI

Delta College landed the #21 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Delta College is a large public school located in the rural area of University Center. Delta College awarded about 26 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Delta College earn a median of $37,342 early in their careers. Delta College graduates carry a median of $14,075 in student loans. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Delta College

22
Albion College crest
Albion College
Albion, MI

Albion College came in at #22 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Albion, Albion College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 32 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Albion College in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Albion College earn a median of $30,314 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Albion College

23
Cornerstone University crest
Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, MI

Cornerstone University came in at #23 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Grand Rapids, Cornerstone University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 63% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 27 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Cornerstone University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $27,327 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Cornerstone University

24
Saginaw Valley State University crest
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI

Saginaw Valley State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the suburb of University Center, Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. There were roughly 36 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Saginaw Valley State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Saginaw Valley State University generally make around $31,021. Students borrow a median of $30,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Saginaw Valley State University

25

Northern Michigan University placed #25 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the town of Marquette, Northern Michigan University is a moderately-sized public university. Roughly 53% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 72 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Northern Michigan University in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Northern Michigan University earn a median of $22,185 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $24,604 to complete this degree. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Northern Michigan University

Rest of the Top 28 Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools

These schools also placed among the best for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year:

26
Rochester College crest
Rochester College
Rochester Hills, MI
27
28
Olivet College crest
Olivet College
Olivet, MI

View All Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Rankings >

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 44 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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