Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Keiser's Parks and Recreation program produces graduates earning just under $30,000 initially, with modest growth to $34,000 by year four. Here's the wrinkle: these numbers look terrible nationally (bottom 5th percentile) but land at the 60th percentile among Florida programs. The explanation? This is essentially the only Parks and Recreation associate's program in Florida, and the national comparison includes programs in very different labor markets.

The debt load of $16,625 is manageable given the earnings trajectory—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 means graduates typically owe about seven months of their first-year salary. For students landing jobs in South Florida's hospitality and recreation industry, this could work, particularly since earnings do improve over time. However, the moderate sample size means these outcomes could shift year to year, and with a 97% admission rate and most students on Pell grants, this school serves students who may have limited alternatives.

The reality check: even with earnings growth, $34,000 four years out isn't building substantial financial security. If your child is passionate about parks and recreation management, this path won't bury them in debt, but they should have realistic expectations about lifestyle and consider whether a four-year program elsewhere might offer better long-term prospects. The debt is reasonable, but the ceiling appears low.