Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

UW-La Crosse graduates in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management show something parents rarely see in this field: meaningful earnings growth over time. While the $34,490 starting salary sits slightly above the national median of $33,161, what matters more is the 28% jump to $44,151 by year four—a trajectory that outpaces most recreation management programs nationally. The debt load of $22,005 is notably lower than the national median of $25,000, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 that new graduates can handle on entry-level recreation department salaries.

The program's 61st percentile ranking nationally indicates solid positioning in a field where many graduates struggle to break past mid-$30,000s even years into their careers. With only two programs in Wisconsin, direct state comparisons are limited, but matching the state median while delivering stronger-than-average growth patterns is encouraging. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these outcomes.

For students genuinely committed to careers in municipal recreation, park management, or community programming, this represents a practical path. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earning progression means graduates aren't locked into financial strain while building experience in a field they chose for reasons beyond compensation. Just understand that even with growth, this tops out in the mid-$40,000s—suitable for lifestyle-focused careers, not wealth accumulation.