Best Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies Schools in California

California has 7 colleges offering Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 524 recent graduates. Graduates in California earn $33,225 on average within two years — 10% above the national average of $30,212, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: California State University-Sacramento graduates earn $38,751 while San Diego State University graduates earn $26,585 — a $12,166 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

7
Schools in CA
$33,225
CA Avg. Earnings
$30,212
National Avg.
54
Schools Nationally

Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

#1
C

California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · Public

$38,751
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,960
Graduates: 120
Acceptance: 93.6%
#2
C

California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public

$38,072
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,427
Graduates: 107
Acceptance: 93.7%
#3
C

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public

$35,240
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,067
Graduates: 71
Acceptance: 96.4%
#4
C

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public

$34,942
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,586
Graduates: 75
Acceptance: 47.1%
#5
S

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public

$31,314
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,087
Graduates: 73
Acceptance: 96.2%
#6
C

California State University-East Bay

Hayward, CA · Public

$27,669
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,905
Graduates: 33
Acceptance: 96.8%
#7
S

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public

$26,585
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,608
Graduates: 45
Acceptance: 34.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies in California?
California State University-Sacramento ranks #1 for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies in California with median graduate earnings of $38,751 within two years of graduation. There are 7 schools offering Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs in the state.
How much do Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduates earn in California?
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduates in California earn an average of $33,225 within two years of graduation. This is 10% above the national average of $30,212 for this major.
What is the hardest Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies school to get into in California?
San Diego State University is the most selective Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies program in California with an acceptance rate of 34.4%. The average acceptance rate across Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs in the state is 79.7%.

Other Popular Majors in California

All colleges in California →

Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies in Other States

Get Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.