Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at University of Florida

University of Florida's recreation management program stands out nationally but tells a more nuanced story within Florida. While graduates earn 24% above the national median for this field and rank in the 95th percentile nationwide, they actually sit at the 60th percentile among Florida's six programs—a reminder that the state has several strong options in this discipline. Still, the combination of $41,046 in starting earnings with just $18,606 in debt creates one of the healthiest financial profiles you'll find in recreation management anywhere.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 means graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans within a year of dedicated payments, and the trajectory looks solid with earnings jumping 15% by year four. Compare this to Florida International's program where graduates earn $29,862—UF's premium is substantial. The moderate sample size suggests enough data to trust the pattern while acknowledging some year-to-year variation is possible.

For a field that traditionally doesn't command high starting salaries, this program delivers surprisingly strong outcomes. Your student gets both the career preparation and the manageable debt load needed to actually pursue this profession without second-guessing the financial decision. That's worth something, especially at a selective institution where the broader alumni network and campus resources extend well beyond the major itself.