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Parks, Recreation & Leisure · Parks & Recreation Rank #59 of 59

Parks & Recreationat Benedict College

Graduates earn $17,324/yr in their first year — about 49.0% below the national Parks & Recreation average. Base-case 10-year earnings $387K; scenarios range from $384K to $370K depending on AI disruption.

Columbia, SC Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
13 AT RISK
13
Optimistic
10
Pessimistic
Earnings
$17,324
1-year post-graduation
ROI
1.4x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$387K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
59% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Benedict College

The data presented reflects the inherent challenges within the broader parks, recreation, and leisure industry, particularly in a regional market like Columbia. Many graduates from this program often find themselves in roles within local government parks and recreation departments, community centers, or non-profit organizations. While these careers can be deeply fulfilling, entry-level positions like recreation coordinator or program director typically offer modest starting salaries and limited upward mobility without significant experience or specialized certifications.

The "Very High" AI risk underscores how administrative, planning, and coordination tasks in these fields are increasingly susceptible to automation, which could impact job availability and long-term earning potential. To maximize your career prospects, you'll need to be proactive: aggressively seek multiple internships to build a robust professional network and consider complementing your studies with a business minor or certifications in niche areas like sports management or therapeutic recreation, focusing on skills that demand human interaction and creativity.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$384K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score10/100
Earnings Multiple5.3x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$387K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score13/100
Earnings Multiple5.4x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$370K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score13/100
Earnings Multiple5.1x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Benedict College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Parks & Recreation graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary
+2.4% 10-yr growth · 1,100 openings/yr
$75,890/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Parks & Recreation

How Benedict College stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Brigham Young University
UT · Private nonprofit
54
DW Score
$48K
1-yr earn
24.3x
ROI
California State University-East Bay
CA · Public
42
DW Score
$44K
1-yr earn
14.5x
ROI
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
AZ · Public
42
DW Score
$43K
1-yr earn
10.8x
ROI
California State University-Sacramento
CA · Public
48
DW Score
$40K
1-yr earn
18.8x
ROI
Ohio University-Eastern Campus
OH · Public
46
DW Score
$37K
1-yr earn
23.2x
ROI
Also at Benedict College

Other top programs at Benedict College

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Benedict College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

FAQ

Frequently asked about Parks & Recreation at Benedict College

What does a 13/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks & Recreation at Benedict College?

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

What's the payoff timeline for a Parks & Recreation 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 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 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.