Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at Indiana State University

Indiana State's Parks and Recreation Management program shows exactly what anxious parents should look for: steady earnings growth that outpaces the national pattern. While the $34,084 starting salary sits right at the state median, graduates see a 26% jump to $43,052 by year four—strong momentum in a field where many programs plateau. With just five schools offering this program in Indiana, this isn't a crowded market, and ISU performs above the national median despite the field's generally modest starting salaries.

The $25,000 debt load is perfectly in line with national and state norms for this degree, creating a manageable 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means graduates owe less than nine months of their first-year salary—a reasonable burden for a career that builds earning power over time. The field itself tends toward lower initial compensation (the national 75th percentile is only $36,247), so this isn't about ISU underperforming; it's the reality of recreation management careers.

The real question is whether your student wants a career path that grows from the mid-30s into the low-40s. If they're passionate about parks and recreation work, these numbers represent a solid foundation. The debt won't crush them, and the upward trajectory suggests room for advancement as they gain experience managing facilities and programs.