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Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
37
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,742/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)
ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #18 of 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs Top 50%

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 $602K $587K $526K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.4x 9.2x 8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.4x 4.3x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 36% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 37 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,016
Out-of-state: $138,004 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,804
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,564
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,748
83% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,742/yr, roughly in line with the $33,731 national median for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 9.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,564 against $34,742/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #18 ranking among 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs places University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $34,742-to-$63,748 earnings arc over five years reflects a 83% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

A 44% admission rate makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accessible to a wide range of qualified students, one of the larger campuses at 34,623 students in Champaign, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →

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

Compare this program → View all 59 schools offering Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies →

Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Other Schools

Brigham Young University ($47,596) California State University-East Bay ($43,700) Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($43,149) Arizona State University Digital Immersion ($43,149) Metropolitan State University of Denver ($42,886) Northwest Missouri State University ($42,389) CUNY Lehman College ($41,484) California State University-Sacramento ($40,338)

Other Majors at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Computer Science ($124,530) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,503) Mathematics and Computer Science ($109,843) Computer Engineering ($103,123) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($86,483) Systems Engineering ($81,785) Nuclear Engineering ($81,134) Mechanical Engineering ($80,187)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →