Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Winona State University

Winona State's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies program shows impressive earnings momentum, with graduates seeing a 30% salary jump from $35,062 to $45,648 within four years. This growth trajectory matters more than the modest starting salary suggests. At $21,148 in debt—below both state and national averages—students aren't gambling much to get there. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 means graduates owe less than eight months of their first-year salary, a manageable threshold.

However, there's a Minnesota-specific wrinkle worth noting. While this program performs slightly above the national median, it sits at just the 40th percentile among Minnesota programs in the field. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn about $1,000 more right out of the gate, though with only three programs in the state, these differences are relatively minor. The real question is whether that stronger four-year trajectory at Winona State closes the gap over time.

For families prioritizing low debt and steady career progression in recreation management, this program delivers on both counts. The combination of below-average borrowing and above-average earnings growth creates breathing room for graduates entering a field not known for high starting salaries. Just understand you're choosing stability and momentum over immediate earning power.