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Most Popular Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Schools in the Southeast Region

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2023 Most Popular Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Schools in the Southeast Region

328 Colleges
$30,102 Avg Salary
$25,352 Avg Student Debt

Finding the Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies School for You

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies is the #15 most popular major in the country with 73,813 degrees and certificates awarded in 2020-2021.

There are so many programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools with offerings that you might find attractive.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Most Popular Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 328 schools in the Southeast Region to see which programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from the Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies program at each school on the list.

Check out the parks and rec programs at these schools if you want to attend one of the most popular in the Southeast Region .

Our analysis found American Public University System to be the most popular school for parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students who want to pursue a degree in the Southeast Region . Located in the fringe town of Charles Town, American Military University is a private for-profit school with a very large student population.

On average, parks and rec graduates from American Military University take out $21,148 in student loans while working on their degree.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at American Public University System

#2

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Memphis. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in the large city of Memphis, UofM is a public college with a fairly large student population.

The average amount in student loans that parks and rec majors at UofM take out is $28,671. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $176.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at University of Memphis

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means The University of Tennessee - Knoxville is a great place for parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students. UT Knoxville is a fairly large public school located in the city of Knoxville.

While working on their degree, parks and rec majors at UT Knoxville accumulate an average of around $22,659 in student debt. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $391, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#4

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Liberty University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit college with a very large student population.

On average, parks and rec graduates from Liberty University take out $26,000 in student loans while working on their degree. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $435, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

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The excellent programs at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies schools in the Southeast Region . UNC Chapel Hill is a fairly large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill.

On average, parks and rec graduates from UNC Chapel Hill take out $17,500 in student loans while working on their degree. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $307.

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#6

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, GA

Georgia Southern University came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in the town of Statesboro, GaSou is a public college with a very large student population.

While working on their degree, parks and rec majors at GaSou accumulate an average of around $27,366 in student debt. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $188, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

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#7

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Schools in the Southeast Region list. JMU is a very large public school located in the city of Harrisonburg.

Parks & Rec majors at JMU take out an average of $21,500 in student loans while working on their egree. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $335, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at James Madison University

University of North Carolina at Greensboro landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies programs. UNC Greensboro is a large public school located in the city of Greensboro.

After completing their degree, parks and rec graduates from UNC Greensboro carry an average student debt load of $25,552. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $160.

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#9

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS

With a ranking of #9, Mississippi State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students. Located in the remote town of Mississippi State, Mississippi State is a public college with a fairly large student population.

On average, parks and rec graduates from Mississippi State take out $25,150 in student loans while working on their degree. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $260.

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Appalachian State University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in the distant town of Boone, Appalachian State is a public college with a very large student population.

While working on their degree, parks and rec majors at Appalachian State accumulate an average of around $20,528 in student debt. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $259.

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#11

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University of Florida did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular schools for parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students. It came in at #11 on the list. UF is a fairly large public school located in the city of Gainesville.

Parks & Rec majors at UF take out an average of $17,586 in student loans while working on their egree. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $239.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at University of Florida

#12

University of Georgia

Athens, GA

With a ranking of #12, University of Georgia did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students. Located in the medium-sized city of Athens, UGA is a public school with a very large student population.

After completing their degree, parks and rec graduates from UGA carry an average student debt load of $23,341. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $226.

Full Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at University of Georgia Report

#13

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

With a ranking of #13, University of Arkansas did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students. Located in the city of Fayetteville, UARK is a public college with a fairly large student population.

Parks & Rec majors at UARK take out an average of $22,940 in student loans while working on their egree. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $402, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

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Arkansas State University - Main Campus ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in the city of Jonesboro, A-State is a public college with a large student population.

After completing their degree, parks and rec graduates from A-State carry an average student debt load of $26,748. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $122, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

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University of South Carolina - Columbia did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular schools for parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students. It came in at #15 on the list. Located in the medium-sized city of Columbia, UofSC is a public school with a very large student population.

Parks & Rec majors at UofSC take out an average of $26,000 in student loans while working on their egree. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $426.

Full Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at University of South Carolina - Columbia Report

With a ranking of #16, Florida International University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students. Located in the suburb of Miami, FIU is a public school with a very large student population.

After completing their degree, parks and rec graduates from FIU carry an average student debt load of $20,928.

Full Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Florida International University Report

#17

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY

University of Louisville ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in the city of Louisville, UofL is a public school with a very large student population.

On average, parks and rec graduates from UofL take out $22,187 in student loans while working on their degree. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $252, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at University of Louisville

#18

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies programs. Located in the small city of Morgantown, WVU is a public college with a fairly large student population.

On average, parks and rec graduates from WVU take out $25,098 in student loans while working on their degree. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $450, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

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#19

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies programs. Located in the small city of Bowling Green, WKU is a public school with a large student population.

Parks & Rec majors at WKU take out an average of $28,156 in student loans while working on their egree. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $171, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

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#20

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

The University of Alabama came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. UA is a fairly large public school located in the city of Tuscaloosa.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at The University of Alabama

Coastal Carolina University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular schools for parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students. It came in at #21 on the list. Coastal Carolina University is a fairly large public school located in the city of Conway.

The average amount in student loans that parks and rec majors at Coastal Carolina University take out is $27,000. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $513.

Read full report on Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Coastal Carolina University

University of North Carolina at Wilmington did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular schools for parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students. It came in at #22 on the list. Located in the medium-sized city of Wilmington, UNCW is a public school with a fairly large student population.

Parks & Rec majors at UNCW take out an average of $22,750 in student loans while working on their egree.

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#23

University of Mississippi

University, MS

With a ranking of #23, University of Mississippi did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students. Located in the town of University, Ole Miss is a public school with a very large student population.

After completing their degree, parks and rec graduates from Ole Miss carry an average student debt load of $23,426. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $383.

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#24

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies programs. Clemson is a fairly large public school located in the large suburb of Clemson.

On average, parks and rec graduates from Clemson take out $21,780 in student loans while working on their degree. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $391, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies at Clemson University Report

#25

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in the midsize city of Tallahassee, Florida State is a public school with a fairly large student population.

Parks & Rec majors at Florida State take out an average of $21,916 in student loans while working on their egree.

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#26

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA
#30

University of North Georgia

Dahlonega, GA
#31

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC
#33

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL
#34

Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL
#35

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN
#37

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN
#40

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA
#44

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA
#46

Wingate University

Wingate, NC
#47

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also popular but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Most Popular Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Schools in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
50 George Mason University Fairfax, VA
51 Troy University Troy, AL
52 Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TN
53 Winston - Salem State University Winston-Salem, NC
54 University of West Georgia Carrollton, GA
54 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL
56 Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC
57 Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, GA
58 Winthrop University Rock Hill, SC
59 University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, LA
60 The University of Tennessee - Martin Martin, TN
61 Emory University Atlanta, GA
62 University of North Florida Jacksonville, FL
63 McNeese State University Lake Charles, LA
64 Augusta University Augusta, GA
65 Campbell University Buies Creek, NC
65 North Carolina Central University Durham, NC

Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Colleges by State

Explore the best parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies schools for a specific state in the Southeast region.

State Degrees Awarded
North Carolina 3,436
West Virginia 1,238
South Carolina 1,339
Florida 2,340
Virginia 1,729
Arkansas 1,012
Mississippi 1,128
Louisiana 703
Alabama 959
Kentucky 1,141
Georgia 1,981
Tennessee 2,462

Parks & Rec Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Health & Physical Education 67,146
Recreation Administration 3,122
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies 3,106
Outdoor Education 265
Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies 174

Related Major Annual Graduates
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting 142,610
Public Administration & Social Service 98,583
Legal Professions 61,055
Military Technologies & Applied Sciences 4,477

Notes and References

*These averages are for the top 25 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 the rest 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).
  • Credit for the banner image above goes to NPS Photo/Zurbuch.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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