Best colleges for Parks
Ranked by graduate earnings
Compare 15 U.S. colleges offering Parks by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 14 states.
Parks programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $26,809 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 31.99.
About Parks programs
The Parks program, officially titled 'Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology, Other,' focuses on various aspects of outdoor and recreational activities. This program is designed for individuals interested in enhancing community well-being through parks and recreational services, fitness initiatives, and leisure activities.
Students in the Parks program will engage with a diverse curriculum that covers topics related to recreation management, fitness programming, and outdoor leadership. The coursework emphasizes practical skills and knowledge necessary for promoting healthy lifestyles and community engagement.
Top 3 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alva, OK Public · Bachelor's degree | $26,809 | 38 | 30% | — | $20,335 |
| 2 | Chadron State College Chadron, NE Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $27,129 | 16 | 50% | — | $26,117 |
| 3 | Southern Wesleyan University Central, SC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $25,785 | 8 | 52% | $19,568 | — |
Specializations within Parks
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 31.99 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 14 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraskalimited | 1 | $27,129 | Chadron State College |
| Oklahomalimited | 1 | $26,809 | Northwestern Oklahoma State University |
| South Carolinalimited | 1 | $25,785 | Southern Wesleyan University |
| Arkansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Californialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | — | — |
| District of Columbialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Hampshirelimited | 1 | — | — |
| North Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 1 | — | — |
Common questions
What careers can I pursue with a degree in Parks?+
Graduates can work in recreation management, fitness instruction, and community services.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
You will learn about recreation management, fitness programming, and outdoor leadership.
Is this program focused on outdoor activities?+
Yes, the program emphasizes outdoor and recreational activities.
What is the educational background needed for this program?+
The typical education level required for careers in this field varies, but a degree in Parks is beneficial.
How much do Parks graduates earn?+
Parks graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $26,809, College Scorecard (2019).
What is the CIP code for Parks?+
Parks maps to CIP 31.99 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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