Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at University of Northern Colorado

University of Northern Colorado's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management program stands out for doing exactly what you want from a bachelor's degree: it converts a manageable debt load into solid earnings growth. Graduates start at $35,308—already above both the national and Colorado medians for this field—and see their income jump 38% to nearly $49,000 within four years. That trajectory matters more than the modest starting salary, especially with debt of $24,250 that's actually below the Colorado average for this program.

Among Colorado's three schools offering this degree, UNC performs solidly in the 60th percentile, and it outpaces the flagship program at Colorado State. Nationally, ranking in the 67th percentile tells you this isn't just a regional success story. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 means your child would owe less than one year's starting salary—a comfortable position for entering a field that values experience and professional development.

For a student genuinely interested in recreation management rather than chasing tech or finance salaries, this program delivers clear value. The earnings growth suggests graduates move into supervisory or specialized roles relatively quickly, and the debt burden won't force them into career compromises. At an 86% admission rate, UNC offers an accessible path into a field with solid fundamentals.