College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2027 Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

136 Colleges in the United States
7,274 Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Degrees Awarded
$40,092 Avg Early-Career Salary

Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 136 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies in the Middle Atlantic Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies education in the Middle Atlantic Region.

Top Schools in Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies

1
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Leading the list is Georgetown University, our #1 school for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Georgetown University graduates 95% of students within six years. About 161 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Georgetown University in the most recent year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Georgetown University earn around $54,668 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,483. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Georgetown University

2

George Washington University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, ranking #2. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. George Washington University awarded about 43 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from George Washington University generally make around $73,749. Typical student debt for the program is $22,910. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at George Washington University

3

A rank of #3 makes The College Of New Jersey one of the top schools for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the suburb of Ewing, The College Of New Jersey is a large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. The College Of New Jersey awarded about 51 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $56,617 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,429. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for The College Of New Jersey

4

Columbia University In The City Of New York is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. About 69 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Columbia University In The City Of New York in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Columbia University In The City Of New York earn a median of $63,418 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,258. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Columbia University In The City Of New York

5
Rowan University crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, ranking #5. Set in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. There were roughly 20 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Rowan University in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Rowan University earn a median of $52,031 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $24,488. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Rowan University

6

University Of Maryland College Park placed #6 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of College Park. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. About 228 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at University Of Maryland College Park in the most recent year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from University Of Maryland College Park earn around $31,403 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Maryland College Park graduates carry a median of $23,138 in student loans. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for University Of Maryland College Park

7

Suny College At Oneonta came in at #7 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Oneonta, Suny College At Oneonta is a moderately-sized public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 80 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Suny College At Oneonta in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Suny College At Oneonta earn around $36,119 in the first couple years of their career. Suny College At Oneonta graduates carry a median of $22,600 in student loans. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Suny College At Oneonta

8
Saint Josephs University crest
Saint Josephs University
Philadelphia, PA

Saint Josephs University landed the #8 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Saint Josephs University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 79%. About 13 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Saint Josephs University in the most recent year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Saint Josephs University earn around $65,421 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,426 to complete this degree. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Saint Josephs University

9

Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public university. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 297 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers University New Brunswick in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Rutgers University New Brunswick earn a median of $39,484 early in their careers. Rutgers University New Brunswick graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Rutgers University New Brunswick

10

The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey earned the #10 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the rural area of Galloway, The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a large public university. About 68% of students finish within six years. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey awarded about 49 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey earn around $43,490 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,990 to complete this degree. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey

11

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #11 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the suburb of West Chester, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public institution. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania awarded about 171 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

12

Thomas Jefferson University landed the #12 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Philadelphia. About 69% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 13 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Thomas Jefferson University in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of $64,243 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $32,256. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Thomas Jefferson University

13
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University earned the #13 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. Towson University awarded about 244 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Towson University earn a median of $32,101 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete this degree. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Towson University

14
Syracuse University crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University ranked #14 on our 2027 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse University is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 84% of students finish within six years. Syracuse University awarded about 178 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $34,821 in their early career. Syracuse University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Syracuse University

15

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus placed #15 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. About 329 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Pennsylvania State University Main Campus earn a median of $30,677 early in their careers. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $26,482 in student loans. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Pennsylvania State University Main Campus

16

University Of Delaware placed #16 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. University Of Delaware is a very large public school located in the suburb of Newark. University Of Delaware graduates 82% of students within six years. There were roughly 234 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Delaware in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Delaware earn a median of $26,555 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,336 to complete this degree. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for University Of Delaware

17
Manhattan College crest
Manhattan College
Riverdale, NY

Manhattan College earned the #17 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Manhattan College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Riverdale. Manhattan College graduates 64% of students within six years. Manhattan College awarded about 37 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Manhattan College earn a median of $61,065 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,968. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Manhattan College

18

Saint John Fisher College came in at #18 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Rochester, Saint John Fisher College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. Saint John Fisher College awarded about 45 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Saint John Fisher College generally make around $36,273. Saint John Fisher College graduates carry a median of $23,364 in student loans. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Saint John Fisher College

19
Elizabethtown College crest
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA

Elizabethtown College came in at #19 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Elizabethtown. Elizabethtown College graduates 76% of students within six years. There were roughly 15 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Elizabethtown College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Elizabethtown College earn around $57,397 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,599. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Elizabethtown College

20
Seton Hall University crest
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ

Seton Hall University earned the #20 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Seton Hall University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of South Orange. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. Seton Hall University awarded about 26 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Seton Hall University generally make around $39,333. Seton Hall University graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Seton Hall University

21

University Of Scranton placed #21 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Scranton, University Of Scranton is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. University Of Scranton awarded about 59 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Scranton generally make around $56,861. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for University Of Scranton

22
Rider University crest
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ

Rider University ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Rider University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Lawrenceville. Rider University graduates 61% of students within six years. There were roughly 16 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Rider University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Rider University earn around $48,601 in the first couple years of their career. Rider University graduates carry a median of $26,241 in student loans. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Rider University

23

Farmingdale State College earned the #23 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the suburb of Farmingdale, Farmingdale State College is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. Farmingdale State College awarded about 46 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Farmingdale State College earn around $29,717 in the first couple years of their career. Farmingdale State College graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Farmingdale State College

24

Lebanon Valley College placed #24 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Annville. Lebanon Valley College graduates 65% of students within six years. There were roughly 76 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Lebanon Valley College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Lebanon Valley College generally make around $39,243. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Lebanon Valley College

25
Temple University crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA

Temple University ranked #25 on our 2027 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. There were roughly 176 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Temple University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Temple University generally make around $37,260. Typical student debt for the program is $26,000. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Temple University

Rest of the Top 50 Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools

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

26
Wagner College crest
Wagner College
Staten Island, NY
27
28
29
Salisbury University crest
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD
30
Kings College crest
Kings College
Wilkes-Barre, PA
31
32
33
Niagara University crest
Niagara University
Niagara University, NY
34
35
Chatham University crest
Chatham University
Pittsburgh, PA
36
37
38
39
40
Marywood University crest
Marywood University
Scranton, PA
41
Adelphi University crest
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY
42
Utica College crest
Utica College
Utica, NY
43
Goldey Beacom College crest
Goldey Beacom College
Wilmington, DE
44
45
46
47
Wilmington University crest
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE
48
49
Mcdaniel College crest
Mcdaniel College
Westminster, MD
50

Narrow Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools by State

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

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 136 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options