Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,345/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)
ROI 13.9x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #41 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 $505K $504K $467K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.0x 13.9x 12.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 7.0x 6.5x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 36% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 29 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,096
Out-of-state: $71,712 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,008
-94% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,250
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,262
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $28,345 place Missouri State University-Springfield below the $33,731 national median for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies's typical career paths, with 56% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,250 represents roughly 9 months of the $28,345 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #41 of 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs, Missouri State University-Springfield falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $46,262 show a 63% jump from the $28,345 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Missouri State University-Springfield

Missouri State University-Springfield accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 13,407 in Springfield, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Missouri State University-Springfield →

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

Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Missouri State University-Springfield

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Missouri State University-Springfield?
A score of 29/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies careers?
With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $466,907 in decade earnings vs $505,245 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies from Missouri State University-Springfield?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →