Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

NC State's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management program punches above its weight nationally but tells a more nuanced story within North Carolina. Graduates earn $38,116 in their first year—landing in the 94th percentile nationally for this major—but that drops to the 60th percentile when compared only to other North Carolina programs. Here's the twist: NC State still leads every other program in the state by a meaningful margin (nearly $6,200 more than UNC Wilmington, the next-highest earner). The 60th percentile ranking reflects the strength of North Carolina's parks and recreation programs overall rather than any weakness at NC State.

The financial picture looks manageable. At $20,500, debt sits below both state and national medians for this major, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54—meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary. Earnings climb 20% by year four to $45,730, suggesting steady career progression in a field that isn't known for explosive salary growth.

For parents weighing this program, it delivers the best outcomes in North Carolina for this career path while keeping debt reasonable. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these numbers should hold up, but this isn't a field where you'll see tech-level salaries. If your student is genuinely passionate about parks and recreation management, NC State offers the strongest launchpad in the state—just set realistic expectations about the earning trajectory.