Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Northern Michigan University

Northern Michigan University's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies program produces first-year earnings of $28,890—below the national median but actually above most Michigan programs in this field. While the 18th percentile nationally sounds discouraging, the 60th percentile state ranking tells a different story: this is a modest-earning field everywhere, and NMU performs reasonably well within its local context. The debt load of $23,855 aligns closely with both national and state medians, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83.

The bigger question is whether any Parks and Recreation program justifies borrowing nearly $24,000 when first-year earnings hover around $29,000. Even top programs nationally only reach about $37,000, suggesting limited upward mobility in early-career compensation. For students passionate about outdoor recreation and community programming—fields where Marquette's location could be an asset—this represents a realistic entry point. But families should recognize they're investing in a field where financial returns remain modest regardless of where you study.

If your student is committed to this career path and planning to stay in Michigan, NMU offers middle-of-the-pack value without excessive debt. Just ensure they understand the income realities and have a plan for managing loan payments on a $29,000 salary.