Home › Western Washington University › Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies

Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,558/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #48 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	$482K	$483K	$453K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.0x	13.0x	12.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.3x	4.3x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	36%	26%
DegreeOutlook Score	25	25	18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,144

Out-of-state: $111,412 (4.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,720

-101% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,395

7.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$42,232

53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $27,558/yr fall 18% below the $33,731 national median for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 13.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $17,395 against $27,558/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #48 ranking among 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs places Western Washington University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $27,558-to-$42,232 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Washington University

Western Washington University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 13,574 in Bellingham, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Washington University →

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 Western Washington University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Western Washington University?

At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Western Washington University?

The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Western Washington University a good choice for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Western Washington University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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