Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at California State University-Chico

California State University-Chico's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies program starts modestly but demonstrates impressive momentum. First-year graduates earn $33,920—essentially matching both state and national medians—but by year four, earnings jump 61% to $54,762. That trajectory significantly outpaces typical Parks and Recreation programs, where many graduates plateau in the mid-$30,000s. Among California's 13 programs, Chico ranks at the 60th percentile, trailing higher-earning options at Cal Poly SLO and Sacramento State but still competitive within the state system.

The debt picture looks manageable. At $18,179, graduates carry roughly $4,000 more than the California median but less than the national average. More importantly, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 means students owe about half their first-year salary—well within reasonable repayment territory. That ratio improves dramatically by year four as earnings climb.

For families considering this program, the key insight is growth potential. This isn't the highest-paying recreation program in California initially, but graduates who stick with the field see substantial earnings gains. If your student is committed to parks and recreation work and values Chico State's affordable tuition and high admission rate, the combination of modest debt and strong earning trajectory makes this a solid choice—particularly compared to programs where earnings stagnate after graduation.