Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at Kansas State University

Kansas State's Parks and Recreation Management program outperforms most of its national peers, with graduates earning $37,083 in their first year—roughly $4,000 above the national median and landing in the 84th percentile nationwide. The debt load of $26,000 is close to average for this field, resulting in a manageable 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio. For students passionate about outdoor recreation and facility management, these numbers represent a solid financial foundation, though parents should recognize this isn't a high-earning field in absolute terms.

The program's strength becomes clearer when you consider it's the only bachelor's option for this specialization in Kansas. Students interested in this career path would otherwise need to look out of state, likely incurring higher costs. The $37,083 starting salary reflects what the Kansas market pays for these skills, which aligns with entry-level positions at state parks, municipal recreation departments, and outdoor education centers.

The practical reality: your child will graduate with debt roughly equal to 70% of their first year's salary—a reasonable burden if they're genuinely committed to this career path. The field typically values hands-on experience and networking within state and regional park systems, where Kansas State's location and connections can be advantageous. This program works best for students who see recreation management as a calling rather than simply a job, since the financial rewards, while decent relative to the field, won't match business or technical degrees.