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Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,999/yr (7% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)

ROI 7.3x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #43 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	$483K	$484K	$453K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	7.3x	7.3x	6.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.3x	3.3x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	36%	26%
DegreeOutlook Score	28	28	17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$65,952

Out-of-state: $145,608 (3.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$68,556

-4% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,050

4.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$45,017

25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,999 per year, Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduates from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities earn slightly above the $33,731 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 7.3x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 6% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $14,050 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #43 of 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $35,999 to $45,017 over five years — a 25% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

With 77% of applicants admitted, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities prioritizes broad access, with 30,469 students enrolled in Minneapolis, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities →

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

Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?

A score of 28/100 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 $453,144 in decade earnings vs $482,832 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

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