Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies at Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Northwestern Oklahoma State's recreation program shows typical starting pay but stronger-than-expected earnings growth, though the debt load is unusually high for this field. First-year earnings of $26,809 match both the national and Oklahoma medians exactly, but by year four, graduates reach $39,438—a 47% jump that suggests they're moving into supervisory or specialized roles. Among Oklahoma's three recreation programs, this one ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms at least one peer institution in the state.

The concern here is debt: at $20,335, graduates carry more than 90% of programs nationwide in this field, where median debt is typically $23,226. For a career starting below $27,000, that's a meaningful burden, even if the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 remains manageable. The strong earnings trajectory helps offset this, but families should plan for lean early years—starting salaries in recreation typically require budget discipline or supplemental income.

With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers might not represent every student's experience. But if your child is committed to recreation management and prefers staying in Oklahoma, this program delivers competitive outcomes within the state. Just ensure they understand that the financial payoff comes after, not immediately after, graduation.