Parks at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
58
Optimistic
58
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,116/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (508,800 openings/yr)
ROI 14.4x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 45 Parks programs Top 10%

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 $512K $511K $477K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.4x 14.4x 13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.0x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 40% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 58 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)
$35,580
Out-of-state: $127,068 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,724
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,810
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,116/yr, edging above the $33,642 national average for Parks — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 14.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Parks career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,000 in median debt against $38,116 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #4 of 45 programs, this Parks program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 33% earnings increase from $38,116 to $50,810 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About North Carolina State University at Raleigh

North Carolina State University at Raleigh admits 40% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with 26,389 students enrolled in Raleigh, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at North Carolina State University at Raleigh →

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

Parks at Other Schools

Other Majors at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
At 58/100, North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Parks program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →