Parks & Recreation at University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
16
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)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Parks & Recreation 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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,518
13.0 months of Year 1 earnings
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
Compare & Explore
Parks & Recreation at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of Southern Mississippi
Frequently Asked Questions
How does University of Southern Mississippi's Parks & Recreation program score?
This program scores 22/100 — on the lower end for Parks & Recreation. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of Southern Mississippi Parks & Recreation 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 to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Parks & Recreation 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 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 →