Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at East Carolina University

East Carolina's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduates start at $34,751—a modest income, but one that outperforms 60% of similar programs in North Carolina. While this degree won't lead to high earnings, the program manages relative debt efficiently. At $19,587, graduates here borrow about $6,400 less than the state average for this field, translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56. The earnings trajectory shows steady improvement, reaching $38,749 by year four—a promising 12% increase that suggests career stability in a field where growth isn't always guaranteed.

Context matters here: recreation and leisure programs rarely produce high earners anywhere, with the national median sitting at just $34,451. ECU's graduates match that benchmark while carrying significantly less debt than peers at UNC-Greensboro or other NC institutions. For students passionate about parks management, event planning, or community recreation—fields where purpose often outweighs pay—this program delivers reasonable preparation without crushing debt.

The caveat: sample size is small, meaning these numbers could shift with more data. But the fundamentals—below-average borrowing for near-average outcomes in an inherently modest-earning field—suggest this works for students entering with realistic salary expectations and genuine interest in the profession.