Home › University of Iowa › Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies

Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $37,103/yr (10% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #19 of 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs Top 50%

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	$520K	$516K	$476K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.9x	11.8x	10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.9x	3.9x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	36%	26%
DegreeOutlook Score	37	37	26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,856

Out-of-state: $131,708 (3.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$85,592

-95% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

8.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$51,944

40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,103 at University of Iowa come in 10% above the national median of $33,731 for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs.

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.

At $25,000 against $37,103/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #19 ranking among 59 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs places University of Iowa in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 40% earnings increase from $37,103 to $51,944 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Iowa

University of Iowa accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 21,691 students enrolled in Iowa City, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →

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 University of Iowa

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at University of Iowa?

At 37/100, 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 University of Iowa?

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 →