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Parks at Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,247/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (508,800 openings/yr)

ROI 11.5x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #24 of 45 Parks programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Parks graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$467K	$469K	$443K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.5x	11.5x	10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.0x	7.1x	6.7x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	40%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	49	49	44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,724

Out-of-state: $66,492 (7.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,296

-46% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,346

8.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$42,169

16% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,247/yr, edging above the $33,642 national average for Parks — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 11.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Parks career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,346 against $36,247/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #24 ranking among 45 Parks programs places Northwest Missouri State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $36,247 to $42,169 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University has a 86% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 4,550 in Maryville, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Northwest Missouri State University →

Top Career Paths

Facilities managers $104,690/yr

General and operations managers $102,950/yr

Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling $77,180/yr

View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Parks at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northwest Missouri State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks at Northwest Missouri State University?

At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Parks programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

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