Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at Clemson University

Clemson's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management program starts graduates at $33,000—essentially matching both the national median and other SC programs in this field. While that's a modest starting point for a four-year degree from a selective university (38% admission rate, strong SAT scores), the real concern is where graduates land four years out: $40,638. That 23% earnings growth sounds promising, but this trajectory still lags well behind what graduates in many other fields achieve with similar credentials.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $22,592, borrowing sits slightly below the national median for this major, and the 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable—graduates can realistically handle their payments. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among South Carolina options (though with only two schools offering this degree in-state, that comparison is limited). Still, you're looking at a field where career advancement typically requires additional certifications or graduate work, and where public sector roles—think parks departments, recreation centers—dominate the job market with corresponding salary structures.

If your child is passionate about outdoor education, community programming, or public recreation, this program provides solid training at a reasonable cost. But recognize the financial reality: this is a calling-driven career path, not a high-earning one. The economics work if debt stays moderate and expectations stay realistic about what "success" means in recreation management.