2027 Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Pennsylvania
Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.
To produce this 2027 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 Pennsylvania
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies education in Pennsylvania.
Top Schools in Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies
No school ranked higher than Saint Josephs University this year for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Saint Josephs University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 13 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Saint Josephs University in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Saint Josephs University earn a median of $65,421 early in their careers. Saint Josephs University graduates carry a median of $26,426 in student loans.
Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Saint Josephs University
Students looking for a strong parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program will find one at West Chester University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #2. Set in the suburb of West Chester, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public institution. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania graduates 70% of students within six years. There were roughly 171 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at West Chester University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent data year.
See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Thomas Jefferson University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Thomas Jefferson University graduates 69% of students within six years. Thomas Jefferson University awarded about 13 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Thomas Jefferson University earn around $64,243 in the first couple years of their career. Thomas Jefferson University graduates carry a median of $32,256 in student loans.
Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Thomas Jefferson University
Students looking for a strong parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program will find one at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus, which ranked #4. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. 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. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Pennsylvania State University Main Campus generally make around $30,677. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $26,482 in student loans.
Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
Elizabethtown College came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the suburb of Elizabethtown, Elizabethtown College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Elizabethtown College graduates 76% of students within six years. About 15 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Elizabethtown College in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Elizabethtown College earn a median of $57,397 early in their careers. Elizabethtown College graduates carry a median of $26,599 in student loans.
Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Elizabethtown College
University Of Scranton ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. University Of Scranton is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Scranton. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 59 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at University Of Scranton in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Scranton earn a median of $56,861 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000.
See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for University Of Scranton
Lebanon Valley College ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Annville. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. About 76 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Lebanon Valley College in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Lebanon Valley College earn a median of $39,243 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 Lebanon Valley College
Temple University landed the #8 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public university. About 75% of students finish within six years. About 176 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Temple University in the most recent year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Temple University earn around $37,260 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,000.
See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Temple University
Kings College came in at #9 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Wilkes-Barre, Kings College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. About 26 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Kings College in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Kings College earn a median of $45,414 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,980 to complete this degree.
See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Kings College
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #10 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Pittsburgh. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. About 106 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $24,916 in their early career. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Pennsylvania State University World Campus earned the #11 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public school located in the city of University Park. Pennsylvania State University World Campus graduates 34% of students within six years. There were roughly 18 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Pennsylvania State University World Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Pennsylvania State University World Campus generally make around $35,132. Students borrow a median of $24,410 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Chatham University came in at #12 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Pittsburgh. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. There were roughly 20 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Chatham University in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Chatham University earn a median of $61,339 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,453.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Chatham University
Marywood University placed #13 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Scranton, Marywood University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 72% of students finish within six years. About 11 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Marywood University in the most recent year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Marywood University earn around $53,292 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,744.
Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Marywood University
York College Pennsylvania came in at #14 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of York. About 64% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 26 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at York College Pennsylvania in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from York College Pennsylvania generally make around $35,739. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000.
See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for York College Pennsylvania
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #15 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Kutztown, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. There were roughly 65 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $36,363. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree.
Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Grove City College placed #16 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Grove City. Grove City College graduates 83% of students within six years. There were roughly 30 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Grove City College in the most recent data year.
Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Grove City College
Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania placed #17 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This large public university is located in the town of Bloomsburg. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 116 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $38,943. Typical student debt for the program is $26,167.
Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earned the #18 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania graduates 66% of students within six years. There were roughly 120 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $35,945 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,800 to complete this degree.
Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Arcadia University placed #19 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the suburb of Glenside, Arcadia University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. There were roughly 17 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Arcadia University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Arcadia University generally make around $46,764. Arcadia University graduates carry a median of $26,921 in student loans.
Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Arcadia University
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania landed the #20 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the suburb of Millersville, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 38 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Millersville University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $43,441 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,486.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
Gannon University placed #21 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Erie. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. There were roughly 17 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Gannon University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $73,658 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,390.
Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Gannon University
Desales University earned the #22 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Center Valley, Desales University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Desales University graduates 72% of students within six years. About 27 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Desales University in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $26,729 in their early career. Desales University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans.
See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Desales University
Seton Hill University earned the #23 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Seton Hill University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Greensburg. Seton Hill University graduates 67% of students within six years. Seton Hill University awarded about 29 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Seton Hill University earn around $32,975 in the first couple years of their career. Seton Hill University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans.
See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Seton Hill University
Thiel College ranked #24 on our 2027 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the town of Greenville, Thiel College is a small private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. There were roughly 19 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Thiel College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Thiel College earn around $36,966 in the first couple years of their career. Thiel College graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Thiel College
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania earned the #25 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Shippensburg, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. There were roughly 39 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania earn around $30,616 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete this degree.
Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Rest of the Top 44 Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
These schools also placed among the best for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year:
More Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Rankings
View All Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Rankings >
Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 44 schools evaluated.
- 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).
More about our data sources and methodologies.