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Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,354/yr (-25% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (9.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #52 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	$409K	$420K	$408K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.6x	10.9x	10.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.8x	9.0x	8.8x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	36%	26%
DegreeOutlook Score	22	22	16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,472

Out-of-state: $46,472 (9.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,896

-48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,518

13.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $25,354 per year, Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduates from University of Southern Mississippi earn below the $33,731 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 10.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,518 debt load exceeds a year of the $25,354 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #52 out of 59 programs, University of Southern Mississippi's financial outcomes for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of Southern Mississippi

With 99% of applicants admitted, University of Southern Mississippi prioritizes broad access, enrolling 9,899 students in Hattiesburg, MS. 47% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern Mississippi →

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

Other Majors at University of Southern Mississippi

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Southern Mississippi's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies program score?

This program scores 22/100 — on the lower end for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do University of Southern Mississippi Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.

How vulnerable is Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 56% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies earnings lower at University of Southern Mississippi?

Lower starting pay at University of Southern Mississippi may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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