Parksat University of Northern Colorado
Graduates earn $35,308/yr in their first year — about 5.0% above the national Parks average. Base-case 10-year earnings $547K; scenarios range from $506K to $550K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Northern Colorado
This program's strong performance stems directly from the robust outdoor recreation and tourism economy throughout Colorado and the broader Mountain West. University of Northern Colorado's established reputation within this field means employers actively recruit graduates for roles managing public parks, municipal recreation centers, major ski resorts, and private leisure facilities. You'll enter a job market with a clear demand for skilled professionals who understand operations, budgeting, and guest experience.
The career paths you see reflect a clear progression from supervisory roles to general management positions, where your practical experience directly translates into higher earning potential. The moderate AI risk reflects that these are hands-on, human-centric roles demanding adaptability and problem-solving. To maximize your success, actively pursue internships with diverse organizations – whether a state park, a resort, or a city's recreation department – to build a network and gain invaluable practical skills while you study.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Northern Colorado's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Parks
How University of Northern Colorado stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Northern Colorado
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Northern Colorado, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Parks offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Parks trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Parks at University of Northern Colorado
What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks at University of Northern Colorado?
At 55/100, University of Northern Colorado's Parks program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is University of Northern Colorado one of the best schools for Parks?
Among 45 Parks programs, University of Northern Colorado's #8 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.