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

Sacramento State's recreation program produces graduates who quickly outpace their peers—first-year earnings of $40,338 sit in the 89th percentile nationally, beating the typical program by nearly $6,000. Within California, this ranks at the 60th percentile, meaning graduates earn more than most state programs despite Sacramento's relatively modest cost of living compared to coastal markets. The four-year trajectory tells the real story: earnings jump 31% to $52,683, suggesting graduates land entry-level recreation coordinator roles that develop into park management or regional director positions with genuine career progression.

The debt picture is reasonable at $20,024, roughly $2,500 less than the national median for this field. A 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about six months' salary—manageable for a field that doesn't command tech-level wages but offers steady employment in California's extensive park systems and municipal recreation departments. The strong sample size confirms these aren't outlier results.

For families looking at recreation management careers, Sacramento State delivers better-than-average outcomes at a highly accessible institution. Your student would graduate with below-average debt while earning above-average income in a field with clear advancement potential. The combination of competitive starting pay and solid earnings growth makes this a practical pathway into a stable career sector.