Colleges were built to prepare students for the working world. They offer degrees that guide graduates toward stable careers—whether that's teaching, law, engineering, or healthcare. But try to find a university offering even one course on how to buy and run an RV park—you won't. And that's a missed opportunity.
Higher education keeps pointing in the same direction
Most college programs are stuck in the past. They still prepare students for traditional job markets, without acknowledging how much the economy has changed. Today's students graduate with fewer guarantees, larger debts, and little exposure to practical alternatives like owning income-producing property. If a student is curious about niche real estate or unconventional paths to financial independence, they're largely on their own.
The system is designed by people who've never been in business
It's hard to teach entrepreneurship when most instructors have never run a business. Many professors are career academics—smart, yes, but rarely hands-on when it comes to real-world investing. This disconnect leaves out entire sectors where ownership and control—not employment—are what provide long-term security.
Even "safe" careers aren't what they used to be
For decades, young people were told to pick stable professions. But in reality, most jobs today come with little protection. Offshoring, automation, and a global freelance workforce have made once-reliable careers vulnerable. Even medicine, long considered the gold standard of financial stability, is showing cracks—thanks to regulatory changes, consolidation, and burnout.
RV parks offer control and predictability
If there's one thing college should be teaching, it's how to create your own financial foundation. RV parks do exactly that. They combine consistent demand with manageable overhead. Owners set the pace, manage the cash flow, and build equity in something real. Unlike many other business models, RV parks tend to be stable and straightforward to run—especially for hands-on owners.
The lifestyle is just as rewarding as the income
Financial upside aside, RV park ownership also offers a refreshing lifestyle. It blends elements of hospitality, problem-solving, and light property management. Owners often live on-site or nearby and take an active role in day-to-day operations. They're not just managing a business—they're building a small community. That sense of control and variety can be hard to find in most jobs.
It's a business that fits today's biggest trends
RV parks align with where the country is headed. More Americans are hitting retirement age, and many are choosing to travel the country in RVs. At the same time, younger families are seeking lower-cost ways to vacation—favoring experiences over extravagance. All of this puts RV parks in a favorable position, especially compared to industries with rising costs and shrinking margins.
Final thought
There's real value in understanding how to run an RV park. And yet, the topic doesn't show up on any college syllabus. That gap has created a wide-open field for people willing to learn outside the classroom. For those ready to take ownership—literally and financially—it's a path worth exploring.