Parks & Recreation at Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
18
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)
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 | $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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,395
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,232
53% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Parks & Recreation at Other Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks & Recreation at Western Washington University?
At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Parks & Recreation programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Parks & Recreation 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 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 →