2026 Best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 152 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Parks Recreation Leisure Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Leading the list is California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, our #1 Parks Recreation Leisure Studies school in the United States. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. About 86% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Graduates carry a median of $16,369 in student loans. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
You'll be in good company at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Parks Recreation Leisure Studies students take on a median of $23,447 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Out of the 152 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #3 spot. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. The median Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program debt is $12,000. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #4 on this year's Parks Recreation Leisure Studies ranking in the United States. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Graduates carry a median of $19,750 in student loans. Get the full Indiana University Bloomington report
You'll be in good company at Winona State University, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. About 56% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. The median Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program debt is $21,148. More on Winona State University
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Students borrow a median of $22,396 to complete their Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program here. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Eastern Washington University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools. Located in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,754 to complete their Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program here. See the full Eastern Washington University profile
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Northwest Missouri State University graduates 54% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. University Of Missouri Columbia graduates 75% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. The median Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program debt is $21,500. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
San Jose State University did well this year, earning the #10 position. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. More on San Jose State University
University Of Northern Iowa came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Set in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. University Of Northern Iowa graduates 68% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Typical Parks Recreation Leisure Studies student debt is $23,907. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
University Of Iowa came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,691 to complete their Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program here. More on University Of Iowa
University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #13 spot in the United States this year. Located in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. University Of Nebraska At Omaha graduates 49% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. University Of Nebraska At Omaha Parks Recreation Leisure Studies students take on a median of $21,783 in debt. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Ithaca College did well this year, earning the #14 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Ithaca College posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,616. The median Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program debt is $24,517. See the full Ithaca College profile
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #15 in this year's ranking. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
York College Pennsylvania landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Set in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. York College Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,588. Graduates carry a median of $26,537 in student loans. Read the full report on York College Pennsylvania
University Of Arkansas came in at #17 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. The median Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program debt is $23,310. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
University Of Nebraska At Kearney ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools. University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public school based in Kearney, NE. About 57% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, compared with $16,484 for out-of-state students. Typical Parks Recreation Leisure Studies student debt is $23,500. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney report
Pittsburg State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools. Located in Pittsburg, KS, Pittsburg State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 51%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Pittsburg State University Parks Recreation Leisure Studies students take on a median of $19,661 in debt. See the full Pittsburg State University profile
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania did well this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Kutztown, PA. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania graduates 54% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Typical Parks Recreation Leisure Studies student debt is $27,000. Read the full report on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Utah placed #21 among Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools in the United States. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. University Of Utah Parks Recreation Leisure Studies students take on a median of $22,982 in debt. More on University Of Utah
California State University Sacramento landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. California State University Sacramento posts a six-year graduation rate of 56%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Graduates carry a median of $20,024 in student loans. See the full California State University Sacramento profile
California State University Chico placed #24 among Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chico, CA. California State University Chico posts a six-year graduation rate of 63%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,472, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. Typical Parks Recreation Leisure Studies student debt is $18,179. Get the full California State University Chico report
California State University Long Beach came in at #25 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. California State University Long Beach posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. California State University Long Beach Parks Recreation Leisure Studies students take on a median of $14,500 in debt. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
California State University East Bay placed #26 among Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools in the United States. Based in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. Roughly 48% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. California State University East Bay Parks Recreation Leisure Studies students take on a median of $20,306 in debt. Read more about California State University East Bay
Rest of the Top 50 Best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Shepherd University placed #27 among Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools in the United States. Based in Shepherdstown, WV, Shepherd University is a public institution. Roughly 51% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $9,056 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,082. The median Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program debt is $24,950. See the full Shepherd University profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Set in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program here. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
California State University Fresno landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fresno, CA. About 57% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. California State University Fresno Parks Recreation Leisure Studies students take on a median of $14,061 in debt. See the full California State University Fresno profile
Georgia College And State University landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Set in Milledgeville, GA, Georgia College And State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,186, compared with $29,512 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,412 to complete their Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program here. Read the full report on Georgia College And State University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #32 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Students borrow a median of $21,313 to complete their Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program here. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Radford University did well this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Radford, VA, Radford University is a public institution. About 49% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,548, with out-of-state students paying around $25,633. Radford University Parks Recreation Leisure Studies students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Get the full Radford University report
University Of Central Oklahoma placed #35 among Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools in the United States. University Of Central Oklahoma is a public school based in Edmond, OK. University Of Central Oklahoma posts a six-year graduation rate of 37%. Students from in state pay about $8,818 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,704. Students borrow a median of $23,321 to complete their Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program here. More on University Of Central Oklahoma
San Diego State University landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. San Diego State University graduates 76% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,999 to complete their Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program here. Get the full San Diego State University report
Newberry College did well this year, earning the #37 position. Newberry College is a private not-for-profit school based in Newberry, SC. About 45% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $31,100 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,729 in student loans. See the full Newberry College profile
Lindenwood University landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. About 49% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Students borrow a median of $28,663 to complete their Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program here. Read more about Lindenwood University
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #39 in this year's ranking. Set in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $9,903. The median Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program debt is $23,289. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
University Of Minnesota Duluth did well this year, earning the #40 position. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public school based in Duluth, MN. About 65% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Graduates carry a median of $24,624 in student loans. Read more about University Of Minnesota Duluth
Georgia Southern University placed #41 among Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools in the United States. Set in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. In-state tuition and fees average $6,022, while out-of-state students pay about $17,734. Students borrow a median of $24,936 to complete their Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program here. See the full Georgia Southern University profile
Carson Newman College came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Located in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 52% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $34,700 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,843 to complete their Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program here. Read the full report on Carson Newman College
Emporia State University came in at #43 in this year's ranking. Located in Emporia, KS, Emporia State University is a public institution. About 56% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,106, while out-of-state students pay about $15,419. Students borrow a median of $23,131 to complete their Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program here. Read more about Emporia State University
Gordon College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools. Based in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. Gordon College posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,700. Typical Parks Recreation Leisure Studies student debt is $26,372. See the full Gordon College profile
Suny College At Cortland ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools. This public school is set in Cortland, NY. Suny College At Cortland graduates 68% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,874, with out-of-state students paying around $18,784. Typical Parks Recreation Leisure Studies student debt is $25,369. More on Suny College At Cortland
Western Washington University came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Based in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. The median Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program debt is $17,897. See the full Western Washington University profile
Metropolitan State College Of Denver came in at #47 in this year's ranking. Located in Denver, CO, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public institution. About 31% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,124, compared with $30,684 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,484 to complete their Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program here. Get the full Metropolitan State College Of Denver report
San Francisco State University placed #48 among Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools in the United States. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. San Francisco State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 50%. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. San Francisco State University Parks Recreation Leisure Studies students take on a median of $16,797 in debt. Read more about San Francisco State University
Olivet Nazarene University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools. Based in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Olivet Nazarene University graduates 61% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,900. The median Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program debt is $26,797. More on Olivet Nazarene University
Gallaudet University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The six-year graduation rate is 47%. Students from in state pay about $19,654 in tuition and fees. Typical Parks Recreation Leisure Studies student debt is $24,123. More on Gallaudet University
Oregon State University landed the #51 spot in the United States this year. Set in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Read the full report on Oregon State University
Northern Arizona University placed #52 among Parks Recreation Leisure Studies schools in the United States. Set in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Parks Recreation Leisure Studies program here. Read more about Northern Arizona University
Missouri State University Springfield did well this year, earning the #53 position. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Missouri State University Springfield posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Parks Recreation Leisure Studies students take on a median of $27,457 in debt. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Related Parks Recreation Leisure Studies Rankings
Compare rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies Schools (All Levels)
- Best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Parks Recreation Leisure Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 152 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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