2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management Schools
[Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/recreation-administration/parks-recreation-facilities-management/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong parks, recreation & leisure facilities management education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 159 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value parks, recreation & leisure facilities management schools.
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Finding the Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management School for You
Where you study parks, recreation & leisure facilities management affects both what you pay and what you earn. To help, we created our Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
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Customizing Your List
We offer a number of rankings, including this Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
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2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the parks, recreation & leisure facilities management degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management Schools
For return on investment in parks, recreation & leisure facilities management, no school beat University Of Florida this year. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management graduates carry a median of $18,606 in student loans. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $41,046 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Florida Online earned it the #2 place for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management. University Of Florida Online is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Gainesville. In-state tuition and fees average $3,876, compared with $16,579 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates is $17,779. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure facilities management degree recipients from University Of Florida Online generally make around $43,822. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Florida International University earned it the #3 place for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure facilities management program here. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates make about $34,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%.
Brigham Young University Idaho is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation & leisure facilities management, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,567 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure facilities management program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure facilities management degree recipients from Brigham Young University Idaho generally make around $27,961. Set against $12,567 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Red Rocks Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation & leisure facilities management, landing the #5 spot this year. Red Rocks Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Lakewood. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,859, while out-of-state students pay about $17,459. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management graduates carry a median of $14,471 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates make about $76,340. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earned the #6 position for value in parks, recreation & leisure facilities management this year. Located in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates is $24,977. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure facilities management degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Greensboro generally make around $42,595. Set against $24,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants.
Green River Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure facilities management schools. Green River Community College is a large public school located in the city of Auburn. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,711, compared with $5,263 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $50,712 ten years out.
Western Kentucky University came in at #8 for value in parks, recreation & leisure facilities management this year. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates is $26,000. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $37,961 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Florida State University placed #9 among the best values for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,488 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure facilities management program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure facilities management degree recipients from Florida State University generally make around $51,884. That is a strong return on a $20,488 median debt. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants.
Kean University placed #10 among the best values for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management. Kean University is a large public school located in the suburb of Union. In-state tuition and fees average $14,299, while out-of-state students pay about $22,446. Students borrow a median of $27,625 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure facilities management program here. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management graduates of Kean University earn a median of $37,884 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Eastern Kentucky University came in at #11 for value in parks, recreation & leisure facilities management this year. Set in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Students borrow a median of $25,616 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure facilities management program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure facilities management degree recipients from Eastern Kentucky University generally make around $30,330. That is a strong return on a $25,616 median debt. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants.
University Of Mississippi Main Campus landed the #12 spot for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management value this year. University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of University. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,772, compared with $28,600 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates is $22,213. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management graduates of University Of Mississippi Main Campus earn a median of $35,318 early in their careers. Set against $22,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.
Western Carolina University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure facilities management schools. Located in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,252 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure facilities management program here. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management graduates of Western Carolina University earn a median of $30,485 early in their careers. Set against $22,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants.
Herkimer County Community College placed #14 among the best values for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management. Set in the town of Herkimer, Herkimer County Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,776. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates is $16,400. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates make about $31,468. That is a strong return on a $16,400 median debt.
Middle Tennessee State University came in at #15 for value in parks, recreation & leisure facilities management this year. Set in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,266 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates is $28,545. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure facilities management degree recipients from Middle Tennessee State University generally make around $30,350. That is a strong return on a $28,545 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%.
Western Illinois University placed #16 among the best values for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management. Set in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates is $29,000. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management graduates of Western Illinois University earn a median of $34,131 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants.
Missouri Western State University earned the #17 position for value in parks, recreation & leisure facilities management this year. Located in the city of Saint Joseph, Missouri Western State University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,545, with out-of-state students paying around $18,455. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management graduates carry a median of $24,362 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates make about $41,107. That is a strong return on a $24,362 median debt.
University Of North Texas placed #18 among the best values for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management. University Of North Texas is a very large public school located in the city of Denton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates is $26,000. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates make about $39,969. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants.
West Virginia University placed #19 among the best values for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management. Located in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Students borrow a median of $23,772 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure facilities management program here. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates make about $51,750. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure facilities management schools. Located in the town of Weatherford, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,469, compared with $8,499 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management graduates carry a median of $19,757 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates make about $38,506. Set against $19,757 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Old Dominion University placed #21 among the best values for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management. Set in the city of Norfolk, Old Dominion University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,750, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure facilities management program here. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management graduates of Old Dominion University earn a median of $34,040 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
University Of Idaho earned the #22 position for value in parks, recreation & leisure facilities management this year. Located in the town of Moscow, University Of Idaho is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,084, while out-of-state students pay about $28,320. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management graduates carry a median of $23,844 in student loans. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management graduates of University Of Idaho earn a median of $43,246 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,844 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure facilities management schools. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public school located in the city of La Crosse. In-state tuition and fees average $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management graduates carry a median of $22,005 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates make about $34,490. Set against $22,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Dixie State College Of Utah landed the #24 spot for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management value this year. Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public school located in the city of Saint George. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,306, compared with $18,246 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,666 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure facilities management program here. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure facilities management graduates make about $42,266. Set against $18,666 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Frostburg State University landed the #25 spot for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management value this year. Set in the town of Frostburg, Frostburg State University is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,220, while out-of-state students pay about $25,814. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure facilities management program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure facilities management degree recipients from Frostburg State University generally make around $25,345. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Facilities Management Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for parks, recreation & leisure facilities management this year:
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 159 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 49 ranked schools only.
- 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).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
