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2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in Missouri
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in parks, recreation & leisure studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools
Leading the list is Northwest Missouri State University, our #1 best value for parks, recreation & leisure studies in Missouri. 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, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Northwest Missouri State University earn a median of $42,389 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. Set in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $27,457. 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. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Missouri Columbia is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation & leisure studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $38,725. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants.
Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
ADBLOCK #116
[Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/parks-recreation-leisure-studies/parks-recreation-and-leisure-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
