Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at Johnson & Wales University-Online

Johnson & Wales University's online Parks & Recreation program starts graduates at just under $31,000—below the national median—but the 40% earnings jump to $43,000 by year four suggests real career momentum that many recreation management programs don't deliver. Given that Rhode Island has only two schools offering this degree and both show similar outcomes, this reflects regional market realities rather than program weakness.

The debt picture is unusually favorable: at $27,000, graduates carry significantly less than the national median of $25,000 for this field (this program ranks in the 9th percentile nationally for debt burden). That 0.87 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than one year's starting salary, which is manageable even in a field not known for high compensation. The strong earnings trajectory matters here—by year four, the debt represents just 62% of annual income.

For families focused on the online format's flexibility and lower debt burden, this works. The early salary lag closes considerably within a few years, and the job market for recreation professionals tends to be stable if not lucrative. Just understand that your child is entering a passion-driven field where financial rewards build gradually. The combination of reasonable debt and strong earnings growth makes this a defensible choice for students committed to recreation management careers.