Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Shaw University

Shaw University's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies program serves primarily low-income students (65% receive Pell grants) but saddles them with debt loads nearly double the state median—$39,500 versus $26,000 for comparable NC programs. While graduates initially earn slightly above the state median at $32,241, their earnings actually decline to $30,121 by year four, a troubling reversal that's rare among bachelor's programs. This means graduates face debt exceeding their first year's earnings, making repayment a significant challenge even as their salaries shrink.

The concerning debt picture stands out most starkly: Shaw's graduates carry 76% more debt than state peers and 52% more than the national median for this field. Within North Carolina, East Carolina graduates earn $2,500 more annually while carrying $13,500 less debt—a dramatically better value proposition. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty, but the pattern of high debt paired with declining earnings should worry any parent.

For families considering this program, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere. Unless Shaw offers unique career connections or other compelling advantages not reflected in the data, prospective students would likely fare better at East Carolina or UNC Greensboro, where they'd graduate with substantially less debt and comparable or better earning potential.