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. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $23,447 in student loans. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $47,726 early in their careers. Set against $23,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. 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. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $25,250. 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. 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. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $19,750. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $42,647. That is a strong return on a $19,750 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

4

Suny College At Cortland
Cortland, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Suny College At Cortland earned it the #4 place for parks, recreation & leisure studies. Set in the town of Cortland, Suny College At Cortland is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,874, while out-of-state students pay about $18,784. Students borrow a median of $25,369 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $38,709. Set against $25,369 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.