Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Missouri State University-Springfield

Missouri State's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies program starts graduates at just $28,345—roughly $10,000 below the Missouri median and in the bottom quarter of programs statewide. While the first-year earnings are concerning, the trajectory tells a more nuanced story: graduates see 51% income growth by year four, reaching $42,815. This suggests the program may be training students for entry-level roles that require time to advance into management positions. Still, that four-year mark only slightly exceeds what Northwest Missouri State graduates earn right out of the gate.

The debt picture offers one bright spot. At $27,457, borrowing here is modest—below both state and national averages for this field. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.97 means graduates owe roughly what they'll earn in their first year, which is manageable if those early lean years are sustainable. For students living at home or with family support during that initial period, the program becomes more viable.

The question is whether your student can weather those first few years on a tight budget. If they're passionate about recreation management and can minimize living expenses early on, the strong earnings growth offers promise. But families banking on immediate financial independence after graduation should look hard at programs like Northwest Missouri State, where graduates start $14,000 ahead and likely experience similar career progression from a higher baseline.