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Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $42,886/yr (27% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #13 of 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs Top 25%

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	$513K	$511K	$472K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.9x	11.8x	10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.4x	4.3x	4.0x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	36%	26%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	41	30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,120

Out-of-state: $118,012 (4.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$57,176

-33% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,362

22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $42,886 per year, Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduates from Metropolitan State University of Denver significantly outpace the $33,731 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 11.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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.

Metropolitan State University of Denver ranks #13 among 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 22% earnings increase from $42,886 to $52,362 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Metropolitan State University of Denver

With 99% of applicants admitted, Metropolitan State University of Denver prioritizes broad access, enrolling 14,932 students in Denver, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Metropolitan State University of Denver →

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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver?

At 41/100, 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 Metropolitan State University of Denver?

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 Metropolitan State University of Denver one of the best schools for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies?

Among 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs, Metropolitan State University of Denver's #13 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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