Parks at Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,040/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (508,800 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #25 of 45 Parks programs

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 $499K $499K $467K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.2x 10.2x 9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.8x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 40% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$49,048
Out-of-state: $130,648 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,680
-16% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,750
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,451
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Old Dominion University's Parks program produces graduates earning $34,040/yr — within striking distance of the $33,642 national average for this field.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Parks career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,750 against $34,040/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #25 ranking among 45 Parks programs places Old Dominion University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 39% earnings increase from $34,040 to $47,451 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Old Dominion University

A 91% acceptance rate means Old Dominion University is accessible to most applicants, serving 17,521 students in Norfolk, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Old Dominion 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

Parks at Other Schools

Other Majors at Old Dominion University

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 does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks at Old Dominion University?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Parks programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →