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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in the Southwest Region

63 Colleges in the United States
9,443 Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Degrees Awarded
$40,460 Avg Early-Career Salary

Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

College Factual analyzed 157 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools.

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Best Schools for Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies in the Southwest Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies education in the Southwest Region.

Top Schools in Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies

1

No school ranked higher than Texas A And M University College Station this year for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 682 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Texas A And M University College Station in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Texas A And M University College Station earn a median of $42,358 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,414. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Texas A And M University College Station

2
Rice University crest
Rice University
Houston, TX

Rice University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Houston. About 95% of students finish within six years. Rice University awarded about 24 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Rice University earn a median of $51,110 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $10,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Rice University

3

A rank of #3 makes The University Of Texas At Austin one of the top schools for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. There were roughly 333 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Texas At Austin in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Austin generally make around $35,583. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates carry a median of $22,361 in student loans. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from The University Of Texas At Austin

4

Students looking for a strong parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program will find one at University Of Arizona, which ranked #4. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. There were roughly 42 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Arizona in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $50,834. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from University Of Arizona

5

A rank of #5 makes University Of Tulsa one of the top schools for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. University Of Tulsa is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Tulsa. Roughly 72% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 42 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Tulsa in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from University Of Tulsa earn around $66,166 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,638. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for University Of Tulsa

6

Southern Methodist University landed the #6 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit university. Southern Methodist University graduates 84% of students within six years. About 142 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Southern Methodist University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Southern Methodist University generally make around $41,229. Typical student debt for the program is $20,475. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Southern Methodist University

7

Texas Christian University landed the #7 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Texas Christian University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Fort Worth. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 22 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Texas Christian University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Texas Christian University earn around $60,035 in the first couple years of their career. Texas Christian University graduates carry a median of $22,960 in student loans. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Texas Christian University

8

Northern Arizona University came in at #8 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Northern Arizona University is a very large public school located in the city of Flagstaff. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 225 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Northern Arizona University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Northern Arizona University earn around $28,786 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,700 to complete this degree. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Northern Arizona University

9

Arizona State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 336 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Arizona State University in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $41,432 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,203. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Arizona State University

10

Saint Edwards University earned the #10 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Austin, Saint Edwards University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 63% of students finish within six years. About 27 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Saint Edwards University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Saint Edwards University generally make around $36,001. Typical student debt for the program is $22,222. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Saint Edwards University

11

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earned the #11 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public university. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 175 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus generally make around $30,903. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus graduates carry a median of $21,657 in student loans. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

12
Tarleton State University crest
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX

Tarleton State University landed the #12 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Stephenville, Tarleton State University is a large public university. About 48% of students finish within six years. Tarleton State University awarded about 345 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $36,117 in their early career. Tarleton State University graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Tarleton State University

13

Texas Womans University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Texas Womans University is a large public school located in the city of Denton. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. About 141 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Texas Womans University in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Texas Womans University earn a median of $43,770 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $20,167 to complete this degree. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Texas Womans University

14

The University Of Texas At Arlington ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Arlington. About 54% of students finish within six years. About 197 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at The University Of Texas At Arlington in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of The University Of Texas At Arlington earn a median of $30,499 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $19,023 to complete this degree. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for The University Of Texas At Arlington

15

West Texas A And M University landed the #15 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. West Texas A And M University is a large public school located in the town of Canyon. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. About 82 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at West Texas A And M University in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $40,313 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from West Texas A And M University

16

Texas State University San Marcos landed the #16 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public institution. About 55% of students finish within six years. Texas State University San Marcos awarded about 483 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Texas State University San Marcos earn a median of $36,792 early in their careers. Texas State University San Marcos graduates carry a median of $24,200 in student loans. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Texas State University San Marcos

17

Texas Tech University came in at #17 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Texas Tech University is a very large public school located in the city of Lubbock. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. Texas Tech University awarded about 146 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $38,090 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,490 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Texas Tech University

18

Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #18 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This very large public university is located in the town of Stillwater. About 68% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 160 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Oklahoma State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $35,446 in their early career. Oklahoma State University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $22,176 in student loans. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Oklahoma State University Main Campus

19

University Of North Texas placed #19 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Denton, University Of North Texas is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. There were roughly 306 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of North Texas in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from University Of North Texas earn around $35,772 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,200 to complete this degree. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for University Of North Texas

20

Southwestern Oklahoma State University earned the #20 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Weatherford, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public university. The six-year graduation rate is 41%. Southwestern Oklahoma State University awarded about 58 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University earn around $38,506 in the first couple years of their career. Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduates carry a median of $22,551 in student loans. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Southwestern Oklahoma State University

21

Pima Community College earned the #21 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Tucson. There were roughly 20 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Pima Community College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Pima Community College generally make around $40,977. Typical student debt for the program is $10,655. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Pima Community College

22

University Of Houston landed the #22 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. About 382 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at University Of Houston in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $35,968 in their early career. University Of Houston graduates carry a median of $22,298 in student loans. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at University Of Houston

23

The University Of Texas At Tyler landed the #23 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This large public university is located in the city of Tyler. About 54% of students finish within six years. About 71 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at The University Of Texas At Tyler in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Tyler generally make around $33,957. Typical student debt for the program is $18,292. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for The University Of Texas At Tyler

24

South Texas College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of McAllen, South Texas College is a very large public university. Roughly 20% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 43 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at South Texas College in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $22,699 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $4,500 to complete this degree. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for South Texas College

25

Northwestern Oklahoma State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Alva. The six-year graduation rate is 30%. Northwestern Oklahoma State University awarded about 44 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Northwestern Oklahoma State University generally make around $29,807. Students borrow a median of $20,418 to complete this degree. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Rest of the Top 50 Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools

These schools also placed among the best for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
Blinn College crest
Blinn College
Brenham, TX
38
39
40
41
42
Southwestern University crest
Southwestern University
Georgetown, TX
43
Angelo State University crest
Angelo State University
San Angelo, TX
44
Parker University crest
Parker University
Dallas, TX
45
Lee College crest
Lee College
Baytown, TX
46
47
48
49
50
Austin College crest
Austin College
Sherman, TX

Honorable Mentions

Also worth considering for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies:

Narrow Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools by State

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 157 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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