Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $29,646 track close to the $33,642 national median for Parks programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 15.4x 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 — 34% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $19,500 debt-to-$29,646 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #32 out of 45 programs, Appalachian State University's financial outcomes for Parks trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $29,646 to $39,498 shows 33% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.