Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,557/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)
ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #40 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 $470K $473K $445K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.1x 12.2x 11.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.3x 6.3x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 36% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 29 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)
$38,704
Out-of-state: $74,608 (6.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,568
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,500
9.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,033
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,557/yr, Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduates from University of South Alabama land near the $33,731 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.2x 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 5% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $26,500 represents roughly 9 months of the $33,557 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #40 of 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs, University of South Alabama falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $33,557 to $42,033 over five years — a 25% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of South Alabama

University of South Alabama accepts 65% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 8,540 in Mobile, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Alabama →

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 South Alabama?
A score of 29/100 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 $445,253 in decade earnings vs $469,984 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →