Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Oregon State-Cascades' Parks and Recreation program mirrors national medians exactly at the starting line—$34,451 after one year—but what happens next tells a more encouraging story. Earnings jump 38% to nearly $48,000 by year four, suggesting graduates build valuable career momentum in Oregon's outdoor recreation economy. With debt at $22,500 and a manageable 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can realistically tackle their loans while establishing themselves in the field. The program performs slightly better than Oregon's median for this degree, landing in the 60th percentile statewide.

The major caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could swing considerably year to year. That said, the trajectory makes intuitive sense for a region like Bend, where recreation management, outdoor education, and tourism create steady opportunities. The strong earnings growth suggests employers value the skills this program develops, even if starting salaries feel modest.

For families comfortable with the small-sample uncertainty, this represents a reasonable investment—particularly if your child wants to work in Oregon's recreation sector. The debt load won't be crushing, and the four-year earnings suggest graduates aren't stuck in entry-level positions. Just know that starting salary will require careful budgeting, and those early-career years may feel financially tight.