Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies program starts graduates at $31,672—about $8,000 below the national median and roughly $11,500 behind Arizona State's competing programs. Among Arizona's three schools offering this degree, NAU ranks last in first-year earnings. The $21,500 debt load is reasonable in absolute terms, but represents 68% of first-year income, which is a noticeable stretch when entry-level earnings are this modest.

The picture improves somewhat over time. Four years out, graduates reach $39,256, representing 24% growth that helps close the gap with competitors. Still, even at this career stage, earnings remain below what ASU graduates earn right out of the gate. For context, this program ranks in just the 32nd percentile nationally—meaning two-thirds of similar programs nationwide produce better initial outcomes.

The value equation here depends heavily on career goals and financial circumstances. If your child is passionate about parks and recreation work and understands the sector's typical compensation (outdoor education, municipal recreation, etc.), the debt level won't sink them. But Arizona families should ask why they'd pay similar costs for demonstrably weaker outcomes when ASU's programs—with identical first-year and fourth-year earnings around $43,000—are accessible alternatives. Unless there are compelling personal reasons for choosing NAU specifically, the earnings gap is too significant to ignore when comparing in-state options.