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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Peer schools offering Parks & Recreation
How Benedict College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Benedict College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Benedict College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
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.