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

1

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in parks, recreation & leisure studies. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. About 70 parks, recreation & leisure studies degrees were awarded at University Of Missouri Columbia in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $38,725 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,500. More information about a degree in parks, recreation & leisure studies from University Of Missouri Columbia

2

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

A rank of #2 makes University Of Iowa one of the top schools for parks, recreation & leisure studies. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 12 parks, recreation & leisure studies degrees were awarded at University Of Iowa in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $37,103. University Of Iowa graduates carry a median of $25,691 in student loans. See the full parks, recreation & leisure studies program report for University Of Iowa

3

Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the town of Pittsburg. Roughly 51% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 34 parks, recreation & leisure studies students who graduated with this degree at Pittsburg State University in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Pittsburg State University earn a median of $35,587 early in their careers. Pittsburg State University graduates carry a median of $19,661 in student loans. See the full parks, recreation & leisure studies program report for Pittsburg State University

4

Winona State University
Winona, MN

Winona State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the town of Winona. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 14 parks, recreation & leisure studies students who graduated with this degree at Winona State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Winona State University generally make around $35,062. Winona State University graduates carry a median of $21,148 in student loans. More information about a degree in parks, recreation & leisure studies from Winona State University

5

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

Students looking for a strong parks, recreation & leisure studies program will find one at University Of Northern Iowa, which ranked #5. This large public university is located in the city of Cedar Falls. University Of Northern Iowa graduates 68% of students within six years. There were roughly 23 parks, recreation & leisure studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Northern Iowa in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $37,233. Students borrow a median of $23,907 to complete this degree. See the full parks, recreation & leisure studies program report for University Of Northern Iowa

6

Emporia State University
Emporia, KS

Emporia State University earned the #6 position for parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Emporia. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 13 parks, recreation & leisure studies degrees were awarded at Emporia State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their parks, recreation & leisure studies degree from Emporia State University earn around $46,440 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $23,131 to complete this degree. Get the full parks, recreation & leisure studies details for Emporia State University

7

Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO

Northwest Missouri State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. Northwest Missouri State University is a large public school located in the town of Maryville. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. About 74 parks, recreation & leisure studies degrees were awarded at Northwest Missouri State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Northwest Missouri State University generally make around $42,389. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in parks, recreation & leisure studies from Northwest Missouri State University

8

University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Kearney, NE

University Of Nebraska At Kearney placed #8 among the best parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. Set in the town of Kearney, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a moderately-sized public institution. University Of Nebraska At Kearney graduates 57% of students within six years. There were roughly 47 parks, recreation & leisure studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Nebraska At Kearney in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from University Of Nebraska At Kearney generally make around $28,241. University Of Nebraska At Kearney graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Get the full parks, recreation & leisure studies details for University Of Nebraska At Kearney

9

Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield landed the #9 spot for parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. Located in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public university. About 58% of students finish within six years. Missouri State University Springfield awarded about 12 parks, recreation & leisure studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $28,345. Typical student debt for the program is $27,457. Read more about the parks, recreation & leisure studies program at Missouri State University Springfield