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Parks at South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $38,076/yr (13% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (508,800 openings/yr)

ROI 13.6x earnings multiple (9.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #7 of 45 Parks programs Top 25%

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	$505K	$505K	$472K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.6x	13.6x	12.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	9.9x	9.8x	9.2x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	40%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	57	56	52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,196

Out-of-state: $51,236 (9.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,876

-96% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

7.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$49,651

30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,076/yr, edging above the $33,642 national average for Parks — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 13.6x 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 $25,000 against $38,076/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

South Dakota State University ranks #7 among 45 Parks programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 30% earnings increase from $38,076 to $49,651 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 8,798 students in Brookings, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at South Dakota State 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 South Dakota State University

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 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks at South Dakota State University?

At 56/100, South Dakota State University's Parks program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Is South Dakota State University one of the best schools for Parks?

Among 45 Parks programs, South Dakota State University's #7 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →