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2022 Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies

409 Colleges in the United States
5,688 Associate Degrees
$23,027 Avg Early-Career Salary
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies isn't the most popular associate program in the world, but it's not the least popular either. To be more precise it ranks #21 in popularity out of 38 majors in the country. As such, the degree program isn't offered at every college in the United States, but there are schools that do have a program in the field that are top-notch when it comes to quality.

College Factual reviewed 409 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the most popular for associate degree seekers in the field of parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 5,688 associate degrees in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies School for Your Associate Degree

Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies The parks and rec associate degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. One of the reasons we created our Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies ranking is to help you make that choice.

While being high in popularity does not always mean a school has a quality parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies program, it is a sign that a large number of students choose the school. Sometimes this is because the school offers a great educational experience, it is a good value, or it is highly focused on the program.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Bachelor's Degrees in Parks & Rec
Master's Degrees in Parks & Rec
Doctor's Degrees in Parks & Rec
Overall Popularity in Parks & Rec

This is not our only ranking, nor the only degree level we have ranked. In addition to this ranking, you may want to take at the rankings for different degree levels as called out above. You can also narrow your search by location by filtering for a certain area of the country. On top of that, you can visit our other rankings for parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies.

Learn about the most popular colleges and universities for parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students seeking a an associate degree. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Parks & Rec Students Working on Their Associate

1
474 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#3 Best Quality In CA

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at Mt. San Antonio College if you want to pursue an associate degree in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies. Located in the suburb of Walnut, Mt. SAC is a public college with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for associate degrees in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies in California.

There were approximately 474 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Mt. SAC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Mt. San Antonio College

2
178 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CA
#2 Best Quality In CA

Riverside City College is a popular decision for students interested in an associate degree in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies. Located in the city of Riverside, Riverside City College is a public college with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for associate degrees in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies in California.

There were about 178 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Riverside City College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Riverside City College

3
College of the Canyons crest
College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA
177 Annual Associate Degrees
#3 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at College of the Canyons if you wish to pursue an associate degree in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies. Located in the large suburb of Santa Clarita, College of the Canyons is a public college with a very large student population.

There were roughly 177 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at College of the Canyons in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from College of the Canyons

4
121 Annual Associate Degrees
#4 Most Popular In CA
#4 Best Quality In CA

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at International Sports Sciences Association if you wish to pursue an associate degree in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies. ISSA is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Carpinteria. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for associate degrees in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies in California.

There were approximately 121 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies individuals who graduated with this degree at ISSA in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from International Sports Sciences Association

5
120 Annual Associate Degrees
#5 Most Popular In CA
#1 Best Quality In CA

Cabrillo College is a moderately-sized public college located in the medium-sized suburb of Aptos. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies in California.

There were approximately 120 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Cabrillo College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Cabrillo College

6
96 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In FL
#1 Best Quality In FL

Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Fort Lauderdale. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies in Florida.

There were roughly 96 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale

7
93 Annual Associate Degrees
#6 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Pasadena City College is a very large public college located in the midsize city of Pasadena.

There were approximately 93 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Pasadena City College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Pasadena City College

8
Citrus College crest
Citrus College
Glendora, CA
90 Annual Associate Degrees
#7 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the suburb of Glendora, Citrus College is a public college with a large student population.

There were approximately 90 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Citrus College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Citrus College

9
84 Annual Associate Degrees
#8 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Fresno City College is a very large public college located in the city of Fresno.

There were about 84 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Fresno City College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Fresno City College

9
Monroe College crest
Monroe College
Bronx, NY
84 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the city of Bronx, Monroe College is a private for-profit college with a medium-sized student population.

There were roughly 84 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Monroe College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Monroe College

11
Diablo Valley crest
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA
73 Annual Associate Degrees
#9 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Diablo Valley is a fairly large public college located in the suburb of Pleasant Hill.

There were approximately 73 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Diablo Valley in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Diablo Valley College

12
70 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AZ
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the medium-sized city of Tempe, Bryan University is a private for-profit university with a small student population. More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Bryan University

13
Moorpark College crest
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA
69 Annual Associate Degrees
#10 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Moorpark College is a large public college located in the suburb of Moorpark.

There were approximately 69 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Moorpark College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Moorpark College

14
67 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#1 Best Quality In TX

South Texas College is a very large public college located in the midsize city of McAllen. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies in Texas.

There were approximately 67 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at South Texas College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from South Texas College

15
65 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In TX
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

El Paso Community College is a fairly large public college located in the city of El Paso.

There were about 65 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at El Paso Community College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from El Paso Community College

16
Chaffey College crest
Chaffey College
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
61 Annual Associate Degrees
#11 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the suburb of Rancho Cucamonga, Chaffey College is a public college with a very large student population.

There were roughly 61 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Chaffey College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Chaffey College

17
Allan Hancock College crest
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CA
49 Annual Associate Degrees
#12 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the midsize city of Santa Maria, Allan Hancock College is a public college with a large student population.

There were about 49 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at Allan Hancock College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Allan Hancock College

18
SWC Chula Vista crest
Southwestern College
Chula Vista, CA
48 Annual Associate Degrees
#13 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the large city of Chula Vista, SWC Chula Vista is a public college with a fairly large student population.

There were about 48 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies individuals who graduated with this degree at SWC Chula Vista in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Southwestern College

18
48 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OH
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the large city of Columbus, Columbus State is a public college with a very large student population.

There were roughly 48 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Columbus State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Columbus State Community College

20
44 Annual Associate Degrees
#14 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

SCC is a medium-sized public college located in the midsize city of Orange.

There were roughly 44 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies individuals who graduated with this degree at SCC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Santiago Canyon College

21
43 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

KCC is a large public college located in the city of Brooklyn.

There were approximately 43 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at KCC in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Kingsborough Community College

21
Long Beach City College crest
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
43 Annual Associate Degrees
#15 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Long Beach City College is a very large public college located in the city of Long Beach.

There were roughly 43 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Long Beach City College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Long Beach City College

21
College of the Desert crest
College of the Desert
Palm Desert, CA
43 Annual Associate Degrees
#15 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

College of the Desert is a large public college located in the city of Palm Desert.

There were about 43 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies students who graduated with this degree at College of the Desert in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from College of the Desert

24
Cerritos College crest
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
42 Annual Associate Degrees
#17 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Cerritos College is a fairly large public college located in the large suburb of Norwalk.

There were roughly 42 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Cerritos College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Cerritos College

24
42 Annual Associate Degrees
#17 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

MJC is a fairly large public college located in the medium-sized city of Modesto.

There were about 42 parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies individuals who graduated with this degree at MJC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies from Modesto Junior College

29
American River crest
American River College
Sacramento, CA
29
31
East Los Angeles College crest
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA
31
El Camino College crest
El Camino College
Torrance, CA
33
Shasta College crest
Shasta College
Redding, CA
33
Norco College crest
Norco College
Norco, CA
33
SBCC crest
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, CA

36
Blinn College crest
Blinn College
Brenham, TX

37
Hartnell College crest
Hartnell College
Salinas, CA
38
38
Skyline College crest
Skyline College
San Bruno, CA
38
41
Sierra College crest
Sierra College
Rocklin, CA
41
Cosumnes River crest
Cosumnes River College
Sacramento, CA
43
Fullerton College crest
Fullerton College
Fullerton, CA
43
De Anza College crest
De Anza College
Cupertino, CA

45
Moreno Valley College crest
Moreno Valley College
Moreno Valley, CA

45
Bakersfield College crest
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield, CA
47
48
Saddleback College crest
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA
48
Ventura College crest
Ventura College
Ventura, CA
48
48

Remaining Award Winners

This list shows the rest of the colleges awarded a Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 15% of the 409 different United States parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
52 Merced College Merced, CA
52 Santa Ana College Santa Ana, CA
56 County College of Morris Randolph, NJ
57 College of the Sequoias Visalia, CA
57 Orange Coast College Costa Mesa, CA
59 Mt. San Jacinto College San Jacinto, CA
59 Raritan Valley Community College Branchburg, NJ
59 Oxnard College Oxnard, CA

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies students that almost earned our Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies award.

Rank College Location
62 Cuesta College San Luis Obispo, CA
63 Nassau Community College Garden City, NY
63 Bucks County Community College Newtown, PA
63 Antelope Valley College Lancaster, CA
66 Santa Rosa Junior College Santa Rosa, CA
66 Navarro College Corsicana, TX
66 Coastline Community College Fountain Valley, CA
69 Los Angeles Pierce College Woodland Hills, CA
69 Bronx Community College Bronx, NY
69 Odessa College Odessa, TX
69 Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CA
69 Golden West College Huntington Beach, CA
74 Union County College Cranford, NJ
74 Los Medanos College Pittsburg, CA
76 Los Angeles Valley College Valley Glen, CA
76 Monterey Peninsula College Monterey, CA
76 Cuyahoga Community College District Cleveland, OH
79 West Hills College-Lemoore Lemoore, CA
79 Finger Lakes Community College Canandaigua, NY
79 Foothill College Los Altos Hills, CA
79 West Valley College Saratoga, CA

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies by Region

View the Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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Parks & Rec Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Health & Physical Education 5,309
Recreation Administration 193
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies 141
Outdoor Education 29
Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies 16

Related Major Annual Graduates
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting 35,268
Public Administration & Social Service 6,353
Legal Professions 5,558
Military Technologies & Applied Sciences 992

Notes and References

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