Parks at Appalachian State University
Boone, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,646/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (508,800 openings/yr)
ROI
15.4x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Parks graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $462K | $463K | $438K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 15.3x | 15.4x | 14.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.7x | 4.7x | 4.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 42% | 40% | 32% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 46 | 45 | 42 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,164
Out-of-state: $98,148 (4.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,498
33% growth from Year 1
About Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 19,304 in Boone, NC.
See all programs and financial aid at Appalachian State University →Top Career Paths
Facilities managers
$104,690/yr
General and operations managers
$102,950/yr
Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling
$77,180/yr
Compare & Explore
Parks at Other Schools
Other Majors at Appalachian State University
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Appalachian State University's Parks program score?
This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for Parks. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →