by our College Data Analytics Team
[Recreation Administration](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/recreation-administration/) graduates earn very different salaries depending on where they study. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
College Factual analyzed 6 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying recreation administration schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools send recreation administration graduates into the highest-paying careers, see the list below.
Kean University earned the #1 spot for highest-paid recreation administration graduates in the Middle Atlantic Region. Kean University is a public school located in the suburb of Union. Recreation Administration graduates of Kean University earn a median of about $59,761 a year early in their careers.
Saint Josephs College New York produces some of the highest-paid graduates in recreation administration, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Brooklyn, Saint Josephs College New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Recreation Administration graduates of Saint Josephs College New York earn a median of about $56,687 a year early in their careers.
Strong graduate earnings at Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earned it the #3 place for recreation administration. Located in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Early-career recreation administration graduates from Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania make a median of around $44,669 per year.
Students chasing top earnings in recreation administration will find them at Suny College At Brockport, which ranked #4. Suny College At Brockport is a public school located in the town of Brockport. After graduating, recreation administration degree recipients from Suny College At Brockport typically earn about $49,357 annually.
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying recreation administration schools. Set in the town of East Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Recreation Administration graduates of East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $43,591 a year early in their careers.
Frostburg State University came in at #6 for recreation administration graduate earnings this year. Located in the town of Frostburg, Frostburg State University is a public institution. Students who complete the recreation administration program here go on to a median salary of roughly $25,345.
This ranking is produced by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology measures the salaries recreation administration graduates go on to earn early in their careers, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 6 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.