Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at University of North Carolina Wilmington

UNCW's parks and recreation management program ranks solidly in the middle of North Carolina's offerings—above the state median but trailing NC State by about $6,800 annually. Starting earnings of $31,873 place graduates below the national median by roughly $1,300, though the program manages to keep debt reasonable at $23,000 (slightly below both state and national averages). The 17% earnings growth over four years shows graduates gaining traction, but even at year four, earnings remain modest at $37,282.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 means graduates face about nine months' salary in loans—manageable but requiring careful budgeting early in their careers. Within North Carolina, this program sits at the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms many in-state alternatives but can't match the earning power of NC State's top-ranked program. For students passionate about outdoor recreation and facilities management who plan to stay in North Carolina, UNCW offers a credible path without crushing debt.

The key question is whether these career earnings align with your child's expectations. Recreation management typically attracts people who value lifestyle and community impact over peak earnings potential. If they're comfortable with that tradeoff and drawn to coastal North Carolina's recreation industry, UNCW delivers decent preparation at a reasonable price. If maximizing earning potential matters more, NC State's program shows significantly stronger outcomes.