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2027 Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Texas

76 Colleges in the United States
6,592 Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Degrees Awarded
$40,247 Avg Early-Career Salary

Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies programs.

To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 76 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 Texas

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

Top Schools in Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies

1
Rice University crest
Rice University
Houston, TX

Leading the list is Rice University, our #1 school for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Houston. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 39 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Rice University in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $51,110 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $10,000. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Rice University

2

Texas A And M University College Station is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public university. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 693 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Texas A And M University College Station in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $42,358 in their early career. Texas A And M University College Station graduates carry a median of $20,414 in student loans. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Texas A And M University College Station

3

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Austin. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. There were roughly 376 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Texas At Austin in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Austin generally make around $35,583. Students borrow a median of $22,361 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from The University Of Texas At Austin

4

Southern Methodist University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, ranking #4. Located in the suburb of Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit university. Southern Methodist University graduates 84% of students within six years. There were roughly 124 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Southern Methodist University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $41,229 in their early career. Southern Methodist University graduates carry a median of $20,475 in student loans. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Southern Methodist University

5

Students looking for a strong parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program will find one at Texas Christian University, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Fort Worth, Texas Christian University is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. There were roughly 27 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Texas Christian University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Texas Christian University generally make around $60,035. Students borrow a median of $22,960 to complete this degree. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Texas Christian University

6

Texas Womans University came in at #6 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Denton, Texas Womans University is a large public university. About 49% of students finish within six years. About 130 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Texas Womans University in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $43,770 in their early career. Texas Womans University graduates carry a median of $20,167 in student loans. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Texas Womans University

7

Texas Tech University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Lubbock. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. Texas Tech University awarded about 170 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Texas Tech University generally make around $38,090. Typical student debt for the program is $23,490. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Texas Tech University

8

Saint Edwards University landed the #8 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Austin, Saint Edwards University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Saint Edwards University graduates 63% of students within six years. Saint Edwards University awarded about 27 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Saint Edwards University generally make around $36,001. Students borrow a median of $22,222 to complete this degree. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Saint Edwards University

9
Tarleton State University crest
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX

Tarleton State University landed the #9 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Tarleton State University is a large public school located in the town of Stephenville. Tarleton State University graduates 48% of students within six years. There were roughly 375 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Tarleton State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Tarleton State University generally make around $36,117. Typical student debt for the program is $20,500. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Tarleton State University

10

Texas State University San Marcos came in at #10 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public school located in the city of San Marcos. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 421 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Texas State University San Marcos in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $36,811 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,200. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Texas State University San Marcos

11

The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #11 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Arlington. About 54% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 198 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Texas At Arlington in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from The University Of Texas At Arlington earn around $30,499 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,023 to complete this degree. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for The University Of Texas At Arlington

12

The University Of Texas At Tyler came in at #12 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Tyler, The University Of Texas At Tyler is a large public institution. The University Of Texas At Tyler graduates 54% of students within six years. About 79 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at The University Of Texas At Tyler in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Tyler generally make around $33,957. The University Of Texas At Tyler graduates carry a median of $18,292 in student loans. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from The University Of Texas At Tyler

13

University Of North Texas ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. University Of North Texas is a very large public school located in the city of Denton. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 270 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of North Texas in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from University Of North Texas earn around $35,636 in the first couple years of their career. University Of North Texas graduates carry a median of $25,200 in student loans. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from University Of North Texas

14

West Texas A And M University came in at #14 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Canyon, West Texas A And M University is a large public institution. West Texas A And M University graduates 48% of students within six years. West Texas A And M University awarded about 71 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of West Texas A And M University earn a median of $40,313 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from West Texas A And M University

15

University Of Houston ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Houston. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Houston awarded about 365 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Houston earn a median of $35,968 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $22,298 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from University Of Houston

16

Baylor University came in at #16 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Waco. About 80% of students finish within six years. Baylor University awarded about 170 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Baylor University earn a median of $38,803 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,997. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Baylor University

17

Texas A And M University San Antonio landed the #17 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of San Antonio, Texas A And M University San Antonio is a moderately-sized public institution. About 40% of students finish within six years. About 78 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Texas A And M University San Antonio in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Texas A And M University San Antonio earn a median of $32,708 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,690. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Texas A And M University San Antonio

18
Blinn College crest
Blinn College
Brenham, TX

Blinn College placed #18 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Blinn College is a very large public school located in the town of Brenham. About 90 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Blinn College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Blinn College generally make around $43,408. Blinn College graduates carry a median of $10,875 in student loans. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Blinn College

19

East Texas Baptist University landed the #19 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Marshall, East Texas Baptist University is a small private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 47%. About 41 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at East Texas Baptist University in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of East Texas Baptist University earn a median of $44,734 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,625. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for East Texas Baptist University

20

South Texas College earned the #20 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of McAllen, South Texas College is a very large public institution. Roughly 20% of students complete a degree within six years here. South Texas College awarded about 44 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of South Texas College earn a median of $22,699 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $4,500. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from South Texas College

21
Parker University crest
Parker University
Dallas, TX

Parker University earned the #21 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Dallas, Parker University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 50% of students finish within six years. Parker University awarded about 63 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $46,758 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,988 to complete this degree. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Parker University

22

Texas A And M University Commerce placed #22 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Texas A And M University Commerce is a large public school located in the town of Commerce. Roughly 43% of students complete a degree within six years here. Texas A And M University Commerce awarded about 104 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $45,653 in their early career. Texas A And M University Commerce graduates carry a median of $23,007 in student loans. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Texas A And M University Commerce

23

Sam Houston State University came in at #23 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Huntsville, Sam Houston State University is a very large public university. About 55% of students finish within six years. About 147 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Sam Houston State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Sam Houston State University generally make around $37,005. Sam Houston State University graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Sam Houston State University

24

Stephen F Austin State University placed #24 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the town of Nacogdoches, Stephen F Austin State University is a large public institution. Roughly 53% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 115 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Stephen F Austin State University in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Stephen F Austin State University earn a median of $37,000 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,995. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Stephen F Austin State University

25

Abilene Christian University earned the #25 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Abilene, Abilene Christian University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 59% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 54 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Abilene Christian University in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Abilene Christian University earn a median of $27,898 early in their careers. Abilene Christian University graduates carry a median of $21,948 in student loans. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Abilene Christian University

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

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies ranking:

26
27
28
Angelo State University crest
Angelo State University
San Angelo, TX
29
30
Lee College crest
Lee College
Baytown, TX
31
Austin College crest
Austin College
Sherman, TX
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
St Marys University crest
St Marys University
San Antonio, TX
46
47
48
Midwestern State University crest
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX
49
50
Schreiner University crest
Schreiner University
Kerrville, TX

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

Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 76 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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