Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

UNH's Parks and Recreation program stands out nationally but faces limited in-state competition that complicates the picture. With first-year earnings of $38,201, graduates earn 15% above the national median for this field and land in the 95th percentile nationally—a genuinely strong performance. However, the 60th percentile ranking within New Hampshire tells you more about the state having only two programs than about this program's quality. The debt load of $27,000 is notably low (9th percentile nationally), creating a favorable 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio that beats most college programs across any field.

The 30% earnings growth to nearly $50,000 by year four demonstrates real career progression in a field often criticized for limited advancement. For context, the national median for this major sits at just $33,161, meaning UNH graduates start their careers earning what typical graduates reach only after several years. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates confirms this isn't a fluke year.

For families concerned about career prospects in recreation management, this program delivers measurably better outcomes than the typical alternative. The modest debt combined with above-average earnings in a field that genuinely interests your child makes this a financially defensible choice. Just understand that recreation management broadly isn't a high-earning field—this is the best-case scenario within it, not a path to rapid wealth building.