Parksat Kean University
Graduates earn $37,884/yr in their first year — about 13.0% above the national Parks average. Base-case 10-year earnings $562K; scenarios range from $518K to $566K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Kean University
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.
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 Kean University'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
How Kean University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Kean University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Kean University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Parks offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Parks trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Parks at Kean University
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.