2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Master’s Degree Schools

1

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign tops our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure studies schools in the United States. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $23,447. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $47,726. That is a strong return on a $23,447 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

2

Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO

Northwest Missouri State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. Northwest Missouri State University is a large public school located in the town of Maryville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $42,389. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants.

3

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation & leisure studies will find it at Indiana University Bloomington, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $19,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $42,647. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants.

4

Suny College At Cortland
Cortland, NY

Suny College At Cortland came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. Located in the town of Cortland, Suny College At Cortland is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,874, while out-of-state students pay about $18,784. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $25,369 in student loans. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Suny College At Cortland earn a median of $38,709 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,369 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%.