Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.: The DTI for this program is 72.5%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies., compare your expected starting salary (currently $31805) to the average debt ($23071) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 72.5%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($31805) against the typical student debt ($23071), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Wondering if Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $31805, and the average student debt is $23071, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.73—which is typical for many fields.
With an annual graduating class of 2361 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies (CIP 31.0101) is an interdisciplinary field focused on how people use leisure time, public spaces, and recreational environments to improve quality of life. It examines the social, environmental, psychological, and managerial dimensions of parks, recreation programs, tourism, and leisure services. This degree is designed for students who want to promote well-being, community engagement, and environmental stewardship through thoughtfully designed recreational systems and experiences.
For a degree search site, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies appeals to students who enjoy working with people, value outdoor and community-based experiences, and want a career that blends public service with management and planning. As cities grow and societies place greater emphasis on wellness, mental health, and sustainable public spaces, professionals in this field play a critical role in shaping healthy, inclusive, and livable communities.
What Is a Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies Degree?
A Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies degree is an interdisciplinary program that studies how recreational spaces, programs, and services are planned, managed, and evaluated. It integrates concepts from social sciences, environmental studies, public administration, health, and business to understand how leisure contributes to individual and community well-being.
Students explore how parks and recreation systems:
- Support physical and mental health
- Build social connections and community identity
- Promote environmental conservation and education
- Contribute to local economies and tourism
- Provide equitable access to leisure opportunities
Universities offer this degree to:
- Prepare professionals for public parks and recreation management
- Train leaders for community-based and nonprofit recreation organizations
- Support careers in outdoor recreation, tourism, and leisure services
- Develop applied skills in program planning, facility management, and public engagement
Programs often include internships, fieldwork, and hands-on experience with recreation agencies.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how leisure and recreation influence human behavior, health, and community development. You’ll study how recreational programs are designed, funded, operated, and evaluated, while also learning how environmental and social factors shape participation and access.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Recreation program planning—designing activities for diverse populations
- Park and facility management—maintaining safe, accessible public spaces
- Community engagement—working with residents and stakeholders
- Leadership and supervision—managing staff, volunteers, and teams
- Budgeting and resource management—allocating funds and materials
- Risk management and safety—ensuring participant and facility safety
- Event planning and coordination—organizing recreational events and programs
- Evaluation and assessment—measuring program effectiveness and outcomes
These skills combine people-focused service with practical management expertise.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by institution, but commonly includes:
- Foundations of Recreation and Leisure: theories of leisure behavior
- Park and Natural Resource Management: stewardship and conservation
- Recreation Program Planning: design, implementation, and evaluation
- Community Recreation: programs for youth, families, and seniors
- Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Programs: camping, guiding, and experiential learning
- Tourism and Event Management: festivals, travel, and destination planning
- Inclusive and Adaptive Recreation: programs for people with disabilities
- Recreation Law and Risk Management: liability, safety, and policy
- Environmental Interpretation and Education: connecting people to nature
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies degree prepares students for careers in public service, nonprofit organizations, and recreation-related industries. Advancement often depends on experience and professional certification.
Common career paths include:
- Park Ranger or Park Technician: managing and protecting park lands
- Recreation Program Coordinator: planning and supervising programs
- Parks and Recreation Director: overseeing municipal recreation systems
- Community Recreation Specialist: developing inclusive leisure opportunities
- Outdoor Recreation or Adventure Program Leader: leading experiential programs
- Event or Tourism Coordinator: organizing recreational events and destinations
- Nonprofit or Youth Program Manager: leading community-based initiatives
- Graduate or Professional School Path: pursuing advanced study in recreation or public administration
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in settings that provide recreation and leisure services:
- Municipal parks and recreation departments
- State and national park systems
- Nonprofit and community organizations
- Outdoor recreation and adventure companies
- Tourism and destination management organizations
- Camps, resorts, and recreational facilities
- Schools, universities, and campus recreation centers
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by role, sector, and location.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level recreation or park roles: often $35,000–$50,000
- Program coordinators or supervisors: commonly $45,000–$70,000
- Parks and recreation managers or directors: often $65,000–$95,000+
Public-sector benefits and job stability are often key advantages of this field.
Is This Degree Hard?
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies is considered moderately challenging. It is not heavily math- or lab-based, but it requires strong organizational skills, interpersonal communication, and practical problem-solving. Fieldwork, internships, and long hours during events or peak seasons are common.
Students who enjoy applied learning and community engagement typically find the workload manageable and meaningful.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy working with people and communities
- Value outdoor spaces, wellness, and recreation
- Want a career in public service or community development
- Like planning events and programs
- Are interested in environmental stewardship and quality of life issues
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a parks and recreation program:
- Take health, physical education, environmental science, and social studies courses
- Develop strong communication and leadership skills
- Volunteer with parks, camps, community centers, or youth programs
- Participate in sports, outdoor activities, or clubs
- Practice teamwork, organization, and customer service
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies (CIP 31.0101) is a people-centered degree that connects health, community, and environment. It prepares graduates to design and manage recreational systems that enrich lives, strengthen communities, and protect the natural spaces where people come together to rest, play, and thrive.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor