Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State delivers something rare in Parks and Recreation management: earnings that beat 95% of similar programs nationwide while keeping debt 21% below the national median. That $38,506 first-year salary may seem modest in absolute terms, but it's $5,300 above what most graduates in this field earn—a meaningful advantage when you're starting a career in public recreation or facilities management.

The debt picture strengthens the case considerably. At $19,757, you're looking at roughly half a year's salary in loans, which translates to manageable monthly payments that won't dominate your budget. Compare this to the national debt load of $25,000 for the same degree, and you're saving over $5,000 in borrowed money while earning more. For a field that typically serves communities rather than chasing corporate salaries, this combination matters.

The 60th percentile ranking within Oklahoma (though based on just three programs statewide) suggests this is solid but not exceptional by local standards. Still, with a 100% admission rate and a substantial Pell grant population, SWOSU is providing accessible training that leads to real employment outcomes in a field many students genuinely enjoy. If your child is drawn to outdoor education, community programming, or facilities work, this represents a practical path without the debt burden that often accompanies passion-driven careers.