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Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Benedict College

Columbia, SC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $17,324/yr (-49% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)

ROI 5.4x earnings multiple

Ranked #59 of 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$370K	$387K	$384K
Earnings Multiple	5.1x	5.4x	5.3x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	36%	26%
DegreeOutlook Score	13	13	10

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$72,000

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$71,124

1% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$40,000

27.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $17,324/yr fall 49% below the $33,731 national median for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

A 5.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The -4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At 2.3x first-year earnings, the debt burden at $40,000 is among the heavier we see. Prospective students should model loan repayment scenarios carefully.

A #59 ranking among 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs places Benedict College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Benedict College

With a 67% acceptance rate, Benedict College is moderately selective, a smaller institution with 1,573 students in Columbia, SC. 63% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Benedict College →

Top Career Paths

Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary $75,890/yr

View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 13/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Benedict College?

At 13/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies degree from Benedict College?

At $40,000 in median debt, graduates carry 28 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Benedict College?

The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Benedict College a good choice for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Benedict College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →