Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Utah State University

Utah State's Parks and Recreation program lands in a middle zone—above the national earnings benchmark at $35,079 first year but trailing other Utah programs by several thousand dollars. Debt levels, while estimated from institutional patterns rather than this program's actual graduates, sit around $22,448, which creates a manageable 0.64 ratio to first-year earnings but higher than the $17,491 typical for similar Utah programs.

The real concern is modest growth trajectory. Four years out, graduates earn just $37,883, barely outpacing the state median for first-year outcomes. That 8% bump over four years suggests limited advancement opportunity in recreation fields, at least in Utah's market. For context, Brigham Young University's comparable program produces first-year earnings around $47,596—a $12,500 gap that raises questions about network effects or curriculum differences.

The practical reality: this degree gets you employed in parks and recreation work at a reasonable debt load, but don't expect rapid salary progression. If your child is passionate about outdoor recreation management and plans to stay in Utah, the math works—they'll carry debt they can service on these salaries. But if they're hoping this credential opens doors to higher-paying positions quickly, the four-year earnings data suggests otherwise. Consider whether proximity to Utah's outdoor industry and USU's connections justify accepting lower earnings than peer programs in the state deliver.