Parks at Kean University

Union, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
57 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
58
Optimistic
57
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,884/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (508,800 openings/yr)
ROI 10.5x earnings multiple (6.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 45 Parks programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Kean's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management program consistently positions graduates for strong career trajectories, a direct reflection of its robust curriculum and advantageous location. Your proximity to the vast recreational, entertainment, and corporate infrastructure of the tri-state area provides unique opportunities. This isn't just about maintaining playgrounds; you'll gain skills in overseeing complex operations, managing budgets, staff, safety, and visitor experience for everything from public parks and municipal recreation centers to private clubs, sports complexes, and even corporate campuses. The regional demand for skilled managers who can ensure the smooth, safe, and engaging operation of these facilities is consistently high. To truly capitalize on this, prioritize internships that expose you to the operational nuances of different facility types in the region, building a network that will be invaluable post-graduation.

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 $566K $562K $518K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.5x 10.5x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.7x 6.7x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 40% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 57 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,704
Out-of-state: $84,304 (6.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,672
9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,761
58% growth from Year 1

About Kean University

A 77% acceptance rate means Kean University is accessible to most applicants, serving 10,842 students in Union, NJ. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Kean 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
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Parks at Kean University?
A score of 57/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Parks field.
What makes Kean University's Parks program stand out?
Ranked #5 of 45 programs nationally, Kean University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →