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Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Southern Oregon University

Ashland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $19,139/yr (-43% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 8.2x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #58 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	$379K	$395K	$389K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	7.8x	8.2x	8.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.1x	3.2x	3.2x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	36%	26%
DegreeOutlook Score	16	16	13

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$48,372

Out-of-state: $122,892 (3.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,880

-36% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (4 Year)

$42,893

124% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Southern Oregon University's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduates start at $19,139/yr, trailing the $33,731 national average by 43%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 8.2x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the -3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #58 out of 59 programs, Southern Oregon University's financial outcomes for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Southern Oregon University

A 83% acceptance rate means Southern Oregon University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 2,911 students in Ashland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Oregon 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

How does Southern Oregon University's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies program score?

This program scores 16/100 — on the lower end for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 56% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies earnings lower at Southern Oregon University?

Lower starting pay at Southern Oregon University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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