Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Ohio University-Eastern Campus

Ohio University-Eastern's recreation program stands out within its field, with first-year earnings of $36,850 placing it at the 75th percentile nationally—well above the typical $34,451 for similar programs. What's interesting is that all five Ohio University campuses offering this degree report identical earnings outcomes, suggesting a consistent preparation across the system. The estimated debt of $22,448, based on national medians for similar programs, would represent about 7.3 months of first-year salary—a manageable load if these earnings hold.

The numbers suggest this program delivers competitive outcomes for recreation studies graduates. At 0.61, the estimated debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably below the threshold where student loans become burdensome. For context, Ohio's median for this field is actually $26,000 in debt with the same earnings level, so if the estimate holds true, Eastern students might be graduating with slightly less debt than their state peers while achieving equivalent pay.

The catch is that we're working with estimated debt figures here—the actual graduate sample was too small to report. If your child is serious about recreation management or outdoor education, the earnings track record across Ohio University's system is reassuring. But given the uncertainty around debt, have a direct conversation with financial aid about what loans this campus's students typically carry. The earnings potential is demonstrably strong; you just want to confirm the debt side of the equation matches the estimate.