by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual looked at 11 colleges and universities when compiling its 2025 Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Bachelor's Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 1,419 bachelor's degrees in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies to qualified students.
Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology
Your choice of parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies for getting your bachelor's degree school matters. Important measures of a quality parks & rec program can vary widely even among the top schools. When choosing a school we recommend considering some of the following factors:
A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.
To determine the overall quality of a graduate school, one factor we look at is the average early-career salary of those receiving their bachelor's degree from the school. This is because one of the main reasons people pursue their bachelor's degree is to enable themselves to find better-paying positions.
In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:
Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies students working on their bachelor's degree.
The parks & rec school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Bachelor's Degree Schools in Iowa.
In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.
The following list ranks the best colleges and universities for pursuing a bachelor's degree in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies.
University of Iowa is a great option for individuals interested in a bachelor's degree in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies. Iowa is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Iowa City.More information about a bachelor’s in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies from University of Iowa
Every student who is interested in a bachelor's degree in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies needs to check out Iowa State University. Located in the small city of Ames, Iowa State is a public university with a very large student population.More information about a bachelor’s in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies from Iowa State University
Saint Ambrose University is a great decision for individuals interested in a bachelor's degree in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies. Located in the medium-sized city of Davenport, St. Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.More information about a bachelor’s in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies from Saint Ambrose University
University of Northern Iowa is a wonderful decision for individuals pursuing a bachelor's degree in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies. Located in the small city of Cedar Falls, UNI is a public university with a medium-sized student population.More information about a bachelor’s in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies from University of Northern Iowa
Grand View University is a small private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Des Moines.More information about a bachelor’s in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies from Grand View University
Located in the small city of Dubuque, Loras is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population.More information about a bachelor’s in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies from Loras College
Located in the city of Dubuque, UD is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.More information about a bachelor’s in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies from University of Dubuque
Cornell College is a small private not-for-profit college located in the fringe town of Mount Vernon.More information about a bachelor’s in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies from Cornell College
William Penn University is a small private not-for-profit university located in the town of Oskaloosa.More information about a bachelor’s in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies from William Penn University
Located in the remote area of Fayette, UIU is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.More information about a bachelor’s in parks, recreation, leisure, & fitness studies from Upper Iowa University
Explore all the Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies Schools in the Plains States Area or other specific states within that region.
| State | Colleges | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 35 | 1,095 |
| Kansas | 33 | 636 |
| Minnesota | 33 | 931 |
| South Dakota | 31 | 281 |
| Nebraska | 31 | 375 |
| North Dakota | 30 | 220 |
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Health & Physical Education | 1,350 |
| Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies | 69 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Public Administration & Social Service | 429 |