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Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at Winona State University

Winona, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,062/yr (4% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #39 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	$475K	$477K	$448K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.3x	11.4x	10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.9x	6.9x	6.5x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	36%	26%
DegreeOutlook Score	30	30	20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,992

Out-of-state: $68,920 (6.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,592

-73% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,891

6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$43,251

23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,062/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.

The 11.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,891 debt-to-$35,062 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #39 out of 59 programs, Winona State University's financial outcomes for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,062 to $43,251 shows 23% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Winona State University

A 69% admission rate makes Winona State University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving 5,088 students in Winona, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Winona State 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 Winona State University's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies program score?

This program scores 30/100 — 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.

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