Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at Frostburg State University

Frostburg State's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management program produces graduates earning $25,345 in their first year—nearly $8,000 below the national median for this field. Ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally is stark, though it's worth noting this is Maryland's only program in this field, making meaningful state comparisons impossible. The $25,000 debt load equals a full year's salary, creating a tight financial situation for recent graduates trying to establish themselves.

The one-to-one debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates will likely struggle with loan payments while covering basic living expenses on what amounts to roughly $12 per hour. While recreation management can be personally rewarding work, this program's outcomes lag significantly behind what graduates earn elsewhere. National median earnings of $33,161 represent what's achievable in this field—that extra $8,000 annually would make a meaningful difference in financial stability.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether the career path justifies starting at below-poverty wages with substantial debt. If your child is passionate about recreation management, exploring programs at other institutions—or starting with a lower-cost associate degree to test the field—might provide a better financial foundation for this career.