Best colleges for Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies in California
Program-level earnings — not school prestige — rank these. Among the California programs in the federal field-of-study file, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo leads: its Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies graduates earn a median $75,181 four years after finishing, against the field's $50,983 national median. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026.)
| # | College | Grad earnings, 4 yrs | Vs field median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $75,181 | +$24,198 |
| 2 | California State University-East Bay | $68,227 | +$17,244 |
| 3 | California State University-Chico | $59,765 | +$8,782 |
| 4 | California State University-Sacramento | $59,041 | +$8,058 |
| 5 | San Diego State University | $57,093 | +$6,110 |
| 6 | California State University-Fresno | $56,336 | +$5,353 |
Frequently asked questions
Which California college is best for Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies?
By graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo — its Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies bachelor's graduates earn a median $75,181 four years out, the highest of the 6 California programs in the federal file.
What do Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies graduates earn in California?
Across the ranked California programs, median earnings four years after completion run from $56,336 to $75,181. The field's national median is $50,983.
Is a Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies degree worth it?
On national medians, yes — Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies graduates earn $2,623/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. See the full field profile for payback math.