Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies programs.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 332 schools to find the best for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students.
Our analysis ranked University Of Florida the best school in the country for a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. University Of Florida graduates 91% of students within six years. About 464 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at University Of Florida in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $44,798. University Of Florida graduates carry a median of $19,707 in student loans.
See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for University Of Florida
James Madison University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. James Madison University graduates 80% of students within six years. About 339 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at James Madison University in the most recent year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from James Madison University earn around $40,528 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,500.
Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for James Madison University
Emory University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, ranking #3. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Atlanta. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 62 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Emory University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Emory University generally make around $37,974. Typical student debt for the program is $19,883.
Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Emory University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, ranking #4. Set in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public institution. North Carolina State University At Raleigh graduates 85% of students within six years. About 183 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at North Carolina State University At Raleigh in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $34,734 in their early career. North Carolina State University At Raleigh graduates carry a median of $21,300 in student loans.
Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for North Carolina State University At Raleigh
A rank of #5 makes University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill one of the top schools for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 327 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $39,401. Students borrow a median of $16,575 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
The University Of Alabama ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. The University Of Alabama is a very large public school located in the city of Tuscaloosa. The University Of Alabama graduates 73% of students within six years. There were roughly 283 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Alabama in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from The University Of Alabama earn around $50,740 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,496 to complete this degree.
Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at The University Of Alabama
University Of Georgia placed #7 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. University Of Georgia awarded about 338 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $36,359 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from University Of Georgia
Furman University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the suburb of Greenville, Furman University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. Furman University awarded about 70 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Furman University generally make around $36,520. Students borrow a median of $23,764 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Furman University
University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Columbia. The six-year graduation rate is 79%. There were roughly 299 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of South Carolina Columbia in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of $37,903 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete this degree.
Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at University Of South Carolina Columbia
Wake Forest University earned the #10 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Winston-Salem, Wake Forest University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 103 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Wake Forest University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $21,192 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Wake Forest University
University Of Central Florida earned the #11 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Orlando. The six-year graduation rate is 78%. There were roughly 465 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Central Florida in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from University Of Central Florida earn around $46,398 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Central Florida graduates carry a median of $21,620 in student loans.
Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for University Of Central Florida
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #12 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the suburb of Charlottesville, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public institution. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. University Of Virginia Main Campus awarded about 102 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Virginia Main Campus generally make around $40,998. Typical student debt for the program is $23,250.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from University Of Virginia Main Campus
Florida State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Florida State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tallahassee. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. Florida State University awarded about 300 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Florida State University earn around $34,630 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete this degree.
See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Florida State University
High Point University earned the #14 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of High Point, High Point University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. High Point University graduates 72% of students within six years. There were roughly 101 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at High Point University in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of High Point University earn a median of $113,352 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,785.
Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at High Point University
The University Of Tennessee earned the #15 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 438 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at The University Of Tennessee in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee generally make around $35,175. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete this degree.
Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at The University Of Tennessee
University Of Miami came in at #16 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Coral Gables, University Of Miami is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 84% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 130 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Miami in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $46,517 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,500.
Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for University Of Miami
Tulane University Of Louisiana landed the #17 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of New Orleans, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a large private not-for-profit institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 34 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Tulane University Of Louisiana in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Tulane University Of Louisiana generally make around $54,082. Typical student debt for the program is $22,077.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Tulane University Of Louisiana
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a very large public institution. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College graduates 66% of students within six years. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College awarded about 274 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College earn around $31,956 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
College Of William And Mary earned the #19 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the suburb of Williamsburg, College Of William And Mary is a large public institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. About 115 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at College Of William And Mary in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of College Of William And Mary earn a median of $27,114 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,413 to complete this degree.
Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at College Of William And Mary
Virginia Commonwealth University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public institution. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. Virginia Commonwealth University awarded about 53 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Virginia Commonwealth University generally make around $45,781. Virginia Commonwealth University graduates carry a median of $23,813 in student loans.
Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Virginia Commonwealth University
Elon University came in at #21 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Elon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Elon. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. About 109 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Elon University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Elon University generally make around $21,440. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete this degree.
See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Elon University
University Of North Florida ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public institution. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 76 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of North Florida in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of North Florida generally make around $33,364. University Of North Florida graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from University Of North Florida
Lipscomb University placed #23 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Nashville. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. About 27 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Lipscomb University in the most recent year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Lipscomb University earn around $48,949 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,975.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Lipscomb University
University Of North Georgia came in at #24 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This very large public university is located in the town of Dahlonega. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 170 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of North Georgia in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of North Georgia generally make around $42,341. Typical student debt for the program is $20,500.
Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at University Of North Georgia
Mercer University landed the #25 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Mercer University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Macon. Mercer University graduates 70% of students within six years. About 25 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Mercer University in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Mercer University earn a median of $56,699 early in their careers. Mercer University graduates carry a median of $32,463 in student loans.
More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Mercer University
Rest of the Top 50 Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies education:
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 332 schools evaluated.
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).
