Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at Kean University

Kean's Parks and Recreation program punches above its weight nationally but tells a more complicated story within New Jersey. While graduates earn $37,884 in their first year—placing them in the 92nd percentile compared to similar programs nationwide—they're exactly at the state median for this field. With only two schools in New Jersey offering this degree, that 60th percentile state ranking simply reflects a middle position in a very small pool.

The debt picture looks manageable at first glance: $27,625 creates a 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio, well within reasonable bounds. More encouraging is the trajectory: earnings jump 29% to $48,890 by year four, suggesting this program opens doors to supervisor or management roles as graduates gain experience. That growth rate matters in recreation management, where career advancement typically requires proving yourself on the ground first.

Here's what makes this workable: the starting salary, while modest, significantly outperforms most parks and recreation programs nationally. The moderate debt load won't be crushing, and the earnings growth suggests a career path rather than a dead end. For a student genuinely passionate about recreation management and public programming—not just looking for any degree—Kean provides solid preparation at a cost that won't dominate their financial life. Just understand that $37,000 starting salary means living frugally in the expensive New Jersey market for those first few years.