Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at University of Missouri-Columbia

Missouri's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies program outperforms most similar programs nationally, landing in the 83rd percentile for earnings with first-year graduates earning $38,725—about $4,300 more than the national median. That's a meaningful advantage in a field where starting salaries don't typically break $40,000. The debt load of $21,500 is manageable, translating to a 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio, and graduates see solid 20% earnings growth by year four, reaching $46,530.

The state picture is more nuanced. Among Missouri's six programs, this sits right at the state median for earnings but carries notably less debt than the $25,250 state average. Northwest Missouri State edges ahead with $42,389 starting salaries, but Missouri's lower debt burden and strong national standing suggest it's delivering competitive value. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) makes these numbers reliable, not flukes.

For parents evaluating this degree, the fundamentals work: your child graduates with reasonable debt and earnings that beat most national peers in this field. The program won't lead to six-figure salaries, but that's the nature of recreation management careers. If your student is passionate about this path, Missouri offers a legitimate option that won't leave them financially underwater while they build a career they actually want.