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Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,157/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)
ROI 10.8x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #30 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 $475K $477K $448K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.7x 10.8x 10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.8x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 36% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,300
Out-of-state: $123,980 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,496
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,400
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $39,157/yr, edging above the $33,731 national average for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 10.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $15,400 in median debt against $39,157 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #30 out of 59 programs, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's financial outcomes for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo admits 30% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, serving a student body of 21,521 in San Luis Obispo, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo →

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

Compare this program → View all 59 schools offering Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies →

Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Other Schools

Brigham Young University ($47,596) California State University-East Bay ($43,700) Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($43,149) Arizona State University Digital Immersion ($43,149) Metropolitan State University of Denver ($42,886) Northwest Missouri State University ($42,389) CUNY Lehman College ($41,484) California State University-Sacramento ($40,338)

Other Majors at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Computer Engineering ($111,560) Computer Science ($111,141) Construction Management ($92,785) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($90,576) Industrial Engineering ($87,226) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($85,509) Mechanical Engineering ($83,011) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($82,197)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies program score?
This program scores 33/100 — on the lower end for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 56% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →