Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State's Parks and Recreation program starts graduates at $30,350—below the national median for this field and among the lowest 24th percentile nationally. However, within Tennessee's limited options for this major, it sits at the median. The $28,545 in typical debt creates a manageable but tight first-year budget, with debt nearly equaling that initial salary.

The trajectory matters here: earnings jump 28% by year four to nearly $39,000, outpacing what most similar programs deliver nationally. That growth suggests graduates are finding their footing in the recreation field, likely moving from entry-level seasonal or part-time work into full management roles. Still, even at that four-year mark, total compensation remains modest compared to other bachelor's degrees.

For families considering this path, understand you're entering a field known for public service rather than high salaries. If your student is passionate about outdoor education, park management, or community recreation, the debt load here won't become crushing—but they'll need to budget carefully in those first years. The real question is whether they're committed enough to the field to accept earnings well below Tennessee's overall college graduate average of around $45,000. This works as an investment only if the career fit is strong.