Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at University of Mississippi

Ole Miss's Parks and Recreation Management program shows slightly better earnings than the national median ($35,318 versus $33,161), though the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. The program sits in the 67th percentile nationally for earnings, suggesting it performs reasonably well compared to similar programs across the country. With debt under $23,000 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63, graduates owe about eight months' salary, which is manageable but not exceptional.

The bigger concern is what these numbers mean for career trajectory. Parks and recreation typically requires patience—many positions start in the low-to-mid $30s but can grow as professionals move into management roles or specialized areas like therapeutic recreation or outdoor adventure programming. The field rewards those who combine their degree with strong networking and are willing to relocate for opportunities, as the job market can be tight in smaller communities.

For a student genuinely passionate about public recreation and community programming, this program offers a viable entry point without crushing debt. However, parents should know this isn't a quick-return investment. If your child isn't deeply committed to this specific career path, they might find better financial outcomes in related fields like hospitality management or event planning, where starting salaries trend higher.