Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota's parks and recreation program outperforms most comparable programs despite its modest starting salary. With first-year earnings of $36,000, graduates here earn more than two-thirds of their national peers and sit comfortably above Minnesota's median for the field. The $25,369 debt load is notably lower than what most programs carry—placing in the 25th percentile nationally—which creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70. That means graduates can realistically pay this off within a reasonable timeframe.

The 22% earnings growth over four years suggests solid career progression in a field that's often underestimated financially. By year four, graduates are earning $44,000, which reflects real advancement rather than just stagnation at entry-level wages. For families concerned about job prospects, this trajectory matters more than the starting number alone.

The major caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so individual outcomes could vary more than these medians suggest. If your student is genuinely passionate about outdoor education, community programming, or recreation management, this program offers a viable path at a respected public university without crushing debt. Just ensure they understand they're choosing mission-driven work over high earnings potential, even if this particular program does it better than most.