Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Radford University

Radford, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,145/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)
ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #46 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 $511K $509K $470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.4x 10.3x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.1x 5.0x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 36% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$49,144
Out-of-state: $100,740 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,560
-35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,941
59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Radford University's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies program produces graduates earning $30,145/yr — within striking distance of the $33,731 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.3x 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 $25,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $30,145 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #46 of 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs, Radford University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $47,941 show a 59% jump from the $30,145 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Radford University

A 91% acceptance rate means Radford University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 5,609 students in Radford, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Radford University →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Radford University?
A score of 27/100 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 $470,448 in decade earnings vs $511,011 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →