Home › Northern Michigan University › Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies

Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Northern Michigan University

Marquette, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,890/yr (-14% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 8.2x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #49 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	$426K	$435K	$418K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.0x	8.2x	7.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.7x	5.8x	5.6x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	36%	26%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	24	16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$53,216

Out-of-state: $75,200 (5.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,940

-31% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,000

8.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $28,890/yr, roughly in line with the $33,731 national median for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 8.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 2% 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 $20,000 against $28,890/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #49 ranking among 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs places Northern Michigan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Northern Michigan University

A 70% admission rate makes Northern Michigan University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a mid-sized student body of 6,425 in Marquette, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern 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

Other Majors at Northern Michigan University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Northern Michigan University?

At 24/100, 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 Northern 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.

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