2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

Our analysis ranked University Of Northern Iowa the best value for a degree in parks, recreation & leisure studies in the The Plains States Region. University Of Northern Iowa is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Falls. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $23,907 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $37,233. That is a strong return on a $23,907 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.

2

Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO

Northwest Missouri State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation & leisure studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Maryville, Northwest Missouri State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Northwest Missouri State University generally make around $42,389. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

3

Emporia State University
Emporia, KS

Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation & leisure studies will find it at Emporia State University, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Emporia, Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,106, while out-of-state students pay about $15,419. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $23,131. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Emporia State University generally make around $46,440. Set against $23,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.

4

University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Kearney, NE

Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation & leisure studies will find it at University Of Nebraska At Kearney, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Kearney, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,564 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $28,241. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

5

Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, MO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Missouri State University Springfield earned it the #5 place for parks, recreation & leisure studies. Set in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $27,457 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $28,345. That is a strong return on a $27,457 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants.

6

Winona State University
Winona, MN

Winona State University earned the #6 position for value in parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. Winona State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Winona. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $21,148 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Winona State University generally make around $35,062. Set against $21,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

7

Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University earned the #7 position for value in parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. Set in the town of Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400, compared with $19,744 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,661 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $35,587. That is a strong return on a $19,661 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.

8

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #8 for value in parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $21,500. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $38,725 early in their careers. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa landed the #9 spot for parks, recreation & leisure studies value this year. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $25,691. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $37,103 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.