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

Ohio University's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies bachelor's produces first-year earnings of $36,850—solid for the field, matching the state median and landing at the 75th percentile nationally. But here's the caveat: the debt figure of $22,448 comes from averaging similar Ohio University programs, not tracking actual graduates from this specific major. That matters because your actual borrowing could differ significantly. The estimated 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment (roughly 60 cents in debt per dollar of first-year income), though recreation and parks careers typically start modestly and depend heavily on whether graduates enter municipal management, outdoor recreation, or event planning roles.

What's encouraging is that Ohio University's program appears competitive within the state—all the regional Ohio University campuses report identical earnings for this major, suggesting consistent preparation regardless of campus. With the main campus in Athens offering broader networking and internship opportunities, you're likely getting the full value of what the university system delivers. The relatively modest estimated debt helps, though comparable programs in Ohio average $26,000, so don't be surprised if actual borrowing trends higher.

The practical question is whether your child has specific career goals in recreation management or municipal parks administration, where this degree opens clear doors, or if they're pursuing it more generally. The earnings are decent for entry-level positions in a field driven more by mission than money, and the debt picture—while estimated—suggests it won't become crushing. Just confirm actual financial aid packages before committing.