2026 Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Missouri

1

Saint Louis University Main Campus
Saint Louis, MO

Leading the list is Saint Louis University Main Campus, our #1 school for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Saint Louis. Saint Louis University Main Campus graduates 80% of students within six years. Saint Louis University Main Campus awarded about 108 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Saint Louis University Main Campus earn a median of $65,599 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,316. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Saint Louis University Main Campus

2

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

A rank of #2 makes University Of Missouri Columbia one of the top schools for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 105 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at University Of Missouri Columbia in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $38,725 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,500. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for University Of Missouri Columbia

3

Truman State University
Kirksville, MO

Truman State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Truman State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Kirksville. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. Truman State University awarded about 55 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Truman State University earn a median of $26,865 early in their careers. Truman State University graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Truman State University

4

Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO

Maryville University Of Saint Louis is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, ranking #4. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Saint Louis. Maryville University Of Saint Louis graduates 66% of students within six years. There were roughly 58 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Maryville University Of Saint Louis in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Maryville University Of Saint Louis earn around $32,480 in the first couple years of their career. Maryville University Of Saint Louis graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Maryville University Of Saint Louis

5

Rockhurst University
Kansas City, MO

Rockhurst University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Kansas City, Rockhurst University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. Rockhurst University awarded about 35 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Rockhurst University earn a median of $70,849 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Rockhurst University

6

University Of Missouri St Louis
Saint Louis, MO

University Of Missouri St Louis earned the #6 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 14 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Missouri St Louis in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Missouri St Louis generally make around $53,079. Typical student debt for the program is $25,943. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from University Of Missouri St Louis

7

Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public university. Missouri State University Springfield graduates 58% of students within six years. There were roughly 122 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Missouri State University Springfield in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Missouri State University Springfield earn a median of $29,757 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,000. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Missouri State University Springfield

8

University Of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO

University Of Central Missouri placed #8 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the town of Warrensburg, University Of Central Missouri is a large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. University Of Central Missouri awarded about 97 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Central Missouri earn a median of $39,975 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,000. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from University Of Central Missouri

9

Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO

Northwest Missouri State University earned the #9 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This large public university is located in the town of Maryville. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 83 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Northwest Missouri State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $43,467 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,103 to complete this degree. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Northwest Missouri State University

10

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO

Southeast Missouri State University placed #10 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This large public university is located in the city of Cape Girardeau. Southeast Missouri State University graduates 58% of students within six years. There were roughly 45 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Southeast Missouri State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Southeast Missouri State University generally make around $34,638. Typical student debt for the program is $22,572. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Southeast Missouri State University

11

Westminster College Missouri
Fulton, MO

Westminster College Missouri earned the #11 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Fulton. About 56% of students finish within six years. About 22 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Westminster College Missouri in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Westminster College Missouri generally make around $37,667. Students borrow a median of $26,170 to complete this degree. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Westminster College Missouri

12

Logan University
Chesterfield, MO

Logan University came in at #12 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Chesterfield, Logan University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 22%. About 112 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Logan University in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $48,504 in their early career. Logan University graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Get the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies details for Logan University

13

Fontbonne University
Saint Louis, MO

Fontbonne University earned the #13 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, Fontbonne University is a small private not-for-profit university. About 40% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 11 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Fontbonne University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Fontbonne University generally make around $46,039. Fontbonne University graduates carry a median of $33,503 in student loans. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Fontbonne University

14

Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences
Fayette, MO

Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences earned the #14 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the rural area of Fayette. The six-year graduation rate is 51%. There were roughly 19 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $47,538 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $24,633 to complete this degree. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences

15

Avila University
Kansas City, MO

Avila University placed #15 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Kansas City. About 52% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 18 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Avila University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Avila University earn around $51,234 in the first couple years of their career. Avila University graduates carry a median of $29,750 in student loans. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Avila University

16

Columbia College Missouri
Columbia, MO

Columbia College Missouri placed #16 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Columbia, Columbia College Missouri is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 43% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 18 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Columbia College Missouri in the most recent data year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $47,962 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $29,213. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Columbia College Missouri

17

Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, MO

Missouri Southern State University placed #17 among the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This mid-sized public university is located in the city of Joplin. The six-year graduation rate is 40%. About 29 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Missouri Southern State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $34,465 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,947. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Missouri Southern State University

18

Southwest Baptist University
Bolivar, MO

Southwest Baptist University earned the #18 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Bolivar, Southwest Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. About 41 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Southwest Baptist University in the most recent year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Southwest Baptist University earn a median of $30,837 early in their careers. Southwest Baptist University graduates carry a median of $19,550 in student loans. Read more about the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program at Southwest Baptist University

19

Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Saint Charles. About 49% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 100 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Lindenwood University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Lindenwood University earn around $35,314 in the first couple years of their career. Lindenwood University graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Lindenwood University

20

Evangel University
Springfield, MO

Evangel University came in at #20 for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Springfield, Evangel University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Evangel University graduates 65% of students within six years. Evangel University awarded about 12 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Evangel University generally make around $42,039. Students borrow a median of $24,876 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from Evangel University

21

Missouri Western State University
Saint Joseph, MO

Missouri Western State University landed the #21 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Missouri Western State University is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Saint Joseph. About 39% of students finish within six years. About 57 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Missouri Western State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Missouri Western State University earn around $36,557 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,815. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Missouri Western State University

22

College Of The Ozarks
Point Lookout, MO

College Of The Ozarks landed the #22 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Point Lookout. College Of The Ozarks graduates 64% of students within six years. College Of The Ozarks awarded about 16 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of College Of The Ozarks earn a median of $37,944 early in their careers. More information about a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies from College Of The Ozarks

23

Park University
Parkville, MO

Park University landed the #23 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the suburb of Parkville, Park University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Park University graduates 37% of students within six years. Park University awarded about 29 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees in the most recent data year. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Park University earn a median of $28,945 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $27,576. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Park University

24

Missouri Baptist University
Saint Louis, MO

Missouri Baptist University earned the #24 position for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Missouri Baptist University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. Roughly 46% 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 Missouri Baptist University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree from Missouri Baptist University earn around $39,737 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,001 to complete this degree. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Missouri Baptist University

25

Culver Stockton College
Canton, MO

Culver Stockton College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the rural area of Canton, Culver Stockton College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Culver Stockton College graduates 39% of students within six years. About 22 parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees were awarded at Culver Stockton College in the most recent year. Graduates of the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program make about $38,725 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $27,252 to complete this degree. See the full parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program report for Culver Stockton College