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Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,511/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 8.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #51 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	$491K	$491K	$458K
Earnings Multiple	8.6x	8.6x	8.1x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	36%	26%
DegreeOutlook Score	22	22	15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$56,760

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,164

-13% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$43,609

59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $27,511 place Central Michigan University below the $33,731 national median for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 8.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% 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.

A #51 ranking among 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs places Central Michigan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $27,511-to-$43,609 earnings arc over five years reflects a 59% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 9,916 students in Mount Pleasant, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Michigan 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Central Michigan University?

At 22/100, 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 Central Michigan 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 Central Michigan University a good choice for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Central Michigan 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 →