2026 Best Parks Recreation Fitness Schools
Looking for the best Parks Recreation Fitness programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1489 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Parks Recreation Fitness Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
No school ranked higher than International Sports Sciences Association this year in the United States. International Sports Sciences Association is a private for-profit school based in Carpinteria, CA. About 10% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,265 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,917 in student loans. Read more about International Sports Sciences Association
Out of the 1489 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Focus Personal Training Institute landed the #2 spot. Focus Personal Training Institute is a private for-profit school based in New York, NY. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $6,333. Get the full Focus Personal Training Institute report
Rice University came in at #3 on this year's Parks Recreation Fitness ranking in the United States. Located in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. Rice University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $10,000. Get the full Rice University report
You'll be in good company at American Public University System, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. About 47% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. American Public University System Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $19,312 in debt. Get the full American Public University System report
Out of the 1489 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Maryville University Of Saint Louis landed the #5 spot. Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. About 66% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,166. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $23,250. See the full Maryville University Of Saint Louis profile
Southern Methodist University came in at #6 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Students borrow a median of $20,475 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Read the full report on Southern Methodist University
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. About 96% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Columbia University In The City Of New York Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $23,258 in debt. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile
South Dakota State University came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $25,419. Read more about South Dakota State University
Northwestern University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Read more about Northwestern University
Saint Cloud State University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Saint Cloud State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 39%. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #11 in this year's ranking. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Students borrow a median of $19,135 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Get the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor report
Dickinson State University landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. Located in Dickinson, ND, Dickinson State University is a public institution. Dickinson State University graduates 48% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,118. Students borrow a median of $27,266 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. See the full Dickinson State University profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo did well this year, earning the #13 position. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $16,658 in debt. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Emory University came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Set in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Emory University graduates 91% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,280. Students borrow a median of $19,883 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Get the full Emory University report
University Of Virginia Main Campus did well this year, earning the #15 position. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
Simpson College placed #16 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Located in Indianola, IA, Simpson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Simpson College posts a six-year graduation rate of 63%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,656. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Simpson College
Northwestern Oklahoma State University landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. Set in Alva, OK, Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a public institution. Northwestern Oklahoma State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 30%. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,970, with out-of-state students paying around $11,664. Students borrow a median of $20,418 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. See the full Northwestern Oklahoma State University profile
Syracuse University came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Based in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,528. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More on Syracuse University
University Of Florida landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $19,707 in student loans. More on University Of Florida
Seton Hall University did well this year, earning the #20 position. Seton Hall University is a private not-for-profit school based in South Orange, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,170. Graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. Read more about Seton Hall University
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $22,361 in student loans. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Texas A And M University College Station did well this year, earning the #22 position. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $20,414 in debt. More on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of North Dakota landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. University Of North Dakota posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. University Of North Dakota Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $25,110 in debt. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina placed #24 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Set in Charleston, SC, Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,570, compared with $38,508 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Read more about Citadel Military College Of South Carolina
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $21,300. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Rest of the Top 50 Best Parks Recreation Fitness Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington placed #26 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Based in Wilmington, NC, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public institution. About 71% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,277, while out-of-state students pay about $24,152. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
Shenandoah University placed #27 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Set in Winchester, VA, Shenandoah University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,950. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full Shenandoah University profile
James Madison University came in at #28 in this year's ranking. Located in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Get the full James Madison University report
Bethel University Minnesota did well this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. In-state tuition and fees average $44,226. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $24,500. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota
Clemson University landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Clemson University posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Clemson University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $22,592 in debt. See the full Clemson University profile
Gustavus Adolphus College came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Located in Saint Peter, MN, Gustavus Adolphus College is a private not-for-profit institution. Gustavus Adolphus College posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,076. Gustavus Adolphus College Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read the full report on Gustavus Adolphus College
Winona State University did well this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Winona, MN. About 56% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Winona State University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $25,431 in debt. More on Winona State University
Cornell College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Located in Mount Vernon, IA, Cornell College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,660. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $27,000. See the full Cornell College profile
University Of Florida Online did well this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida Online is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,876, with out-of-state students paying around $16,579. Students borrow a median of $19,982 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Read the full report on University Of Florida Online
Northwestern College Iowa came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Set in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. Students from in state pay about $36,710 in tuition and fees. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $25,415. Get the full Northwestern College Iowa report
Kansas State University placed #36 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. About 71% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Kansas State University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Get the full Kansas State University report
Ashford University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Located in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. Ashford University graduates 10% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $38,750. More on Ashford University
University Of Wisconsin Platteville ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Fitness schools. University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public school based in Platteville, WI. University Of Wisconsin Platteville posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. Students from in state pay about $8,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,603 for out-of-state students. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $27,000. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Platteville
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #39 in this year's ranking. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of South Carolina Columbia placed #40 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Located in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. About 79% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. See the full University Of South Carolina Columbia profile
George Mason University placed #41 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Read more about George Mason University
Iowa State University placed #42 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Iowa State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $25,425. Get the full Iowa State University report
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #43 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Graduates carry a median of $19,660 in student loans. More on Indiana University Bloomington
Loras College did well this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Dubuque, IA, Loras College is a private not-for-profit institution. Loras College graduates 68% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,824. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $27,000. Get the full Loras College report
St Olaf College came in at #45 in this year's ranking. St Olaf College is a private not-for-profit school based in Northfield, MN. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $59,760. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. More on St Olaf College
Mcdaniel College placed #46 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Based in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 63% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,081. Mcdaniel College Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $25,697 in debt. See the full Mcdaniel College profile
Saint Josephs College New York did well this year, earning the #47 position. Saint Josephs College New York is a private not-for-profit school based in Brooklyn, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,550. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $26,000. See the full Saint Josephs College New York profile
University Of Kansas came in at #48 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. University Of Kansas graduates 69% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $22,125. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Minnesota State University Mankato did well this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $24,936. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of Iowa placed #50 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $23,863 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
Best Parks Recreation Fitness Schools by Degree Level
Explore rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Parks Recreation Fitness Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Parks Recreation Fitness Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Parks Recreation Fitness Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Parks Recreation Fitness Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Parks Recreation Fitness Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Parks Recreation Fitness Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Parks Recreation Fitness Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1489 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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