2026 Best Parks Recreation Fitness Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Parks Recreation Fitness bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1489 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Our analysis found American Public University System to be the best Parks Recreation Fitness school in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. American Public University System posts a six-year graduation rate of 47%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $19,312. More on American Public University System
Rice University came in at #2 on this year's Parks Recreation Fitness ranking in the United States. Set in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Graduates carry a median of $10,000 in student loans. Read more about Rice University
A rank of #3 makes Maryville University Of Saint Louis one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Maryville University Of Saint Louis graduates 66% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,166. Maryville University Of Saint Louis Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Get the full Maryville University Of Saint Louis report
The strong Parks Recreation Fitness programs at Southern Methodist University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Southern Methodist University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. Students from in state pay about $67,040 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $20,475 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Read more about Southern Methodist University
University Of Florida came in at #5 on this year's Parks Recreation Fitness ranking in the United States. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $19,707. Read the full report on University Of Florida
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #6 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, 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
South Dakota State University did well this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. About 62% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. South Dakota State University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $25,419 in debt. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Saint Cloud State University placed #8 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Saint Cloud State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 39%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $27,000. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Clemson University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Clemson University graduates 87% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $22,592 in student loans. See the full Clemson University profile
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina did well this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Charleston, SC, Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,570, compared with $38,508 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. See the full Citadel Military College Of South Carolina profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates 86% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $16,658. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #12 in this year's ranking. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $23,250. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Dickinson State University landed the #13 spot in the United States this year. Dickinson State University is a public school based in Dickinson, ND. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,118. Graduates carry a median of $27,266 in student loans. More on Dickinson State University
Emory University placed #14 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Set in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,280. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $19,883. See the full Emory University profile
Simpson College placed #15 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Based in Indianola, IA, Simpson College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 63% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,656. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $27,000. See the full Simpson College profile
The University Of Texas At Austin did well this year, earning the #16 position. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,361 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
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 graduates 30% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,970, with out-of-state students paying around $11,664. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $20,418. Get the full Northwestern Oklahoma State University report
Syracuse University came in at #18 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Syracuse, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $27,000. See the full Syracuse University profile
Seton Hall University placed #19 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in South Orange, NJ. About 70% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,170. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $24,125. Read the full report on Seton Hall University
James Madison University did well this year, earning the #20 position. James Madison University is a public school based in Harrisonburg, VA. About 80% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $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. See the full James Madison University profile
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #21 in this year's ranking. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,414 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of North Dakota did well this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. About 60% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
University Of South Carolina Columbia placed #23 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Located in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. University Of South Carolina Columbia graduates 79% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $25,000. Get the full University Of South Carolina Columbia report
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Based in Wilmington, NC, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,277, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Wilmington report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #25 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $21,300 in student loans. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Rest of the Top 50 Best Parks Recreation Fitness Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Shenandoah University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winchester, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,950. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about Shenandoah University
Bethel University Minnesota ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. About 71% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $24,500 in debt. Get the full Bethel University Minnesota report
Gustavus Adolphus College landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Gustavus Adolphus College is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Peter, MN. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. In-state tuition and fees average $56,076. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about Gustavus Adolphus College
George Mason University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Fitness schools. George Mason University is a public school based 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 the full report on George Mason University
Cornell College did well this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Mount Vernon, IA, Cornell College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,660. Cornell College Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. See the full Cornell College profile
University Of Florida Online did well this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida Online is a public institution. University Of Florida Online posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $3,876, with out-of-state students paying around $16,579. Graduates carry a median of $19,982 in student loans. More on University Of Florida Online
Northwestern College Iowa landed the #32 spot in the United States this year. Located in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. Northwestern College Iowa graduates 66% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $36,710. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Read the full report on Northwestern College Iowa
Winona State University came in at #33 in this year's ranking. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Graduates carry a median of $25,431 in student loans. More on Winona State University
United States Sports Academy did well this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Daphne, AL, United States Sports Academy is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,700. See the full United States Sports Academy profile
Illinois State University did well this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Illinois State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $21,400 in student loans. Get the full Illinois State University report
Kansas State University did well this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Kansas State University graduates 71% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. See the full Kansas State University profile
Ashford University did well this year, earning the #37 position. Set in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 10%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. Ashford University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $38,750 in debt. Get the full Ashford University report
University Of Wisconsin Platteville came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Set in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. About 61% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,644, with out-of-state students paying around $17,603. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Platteville
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #39 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Minnesota State University Mankato posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, 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
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. North Dakota State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Indiana University Bloomington placed #41 among Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Bloomington Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $19,660 in debt. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
Iowa State University did well this year, earning the #42 position. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. Iowa State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Iowa State University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $25,425 in debt. See the full Iowa State University profile
Loras College did well this year, earning the #43 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dubuque, IA. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,824. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. More on Loras College
Johnson And Wales University Online landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Located in Providence, RI, Johnson And Wales University Online is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,365. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $27,000. Read more about Johnson And Wales University Online
St Olaf College landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Northfield, MN. St Olaf College graduates 84% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,760. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $25,000. See the full St Olaf College profile
Mcdaniel College landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. Set in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 63% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. 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 ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Saint Josephs College New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Saint Josephs College New York graduates 69% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $36,550 in tuition and fees. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $26,000. Get the full Saint Josephs College New York report
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. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $22,125. See the full University Of Kansas profile
University Of Iowa ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. University Of Iowa graduates 75% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $23,863. See the full University Of Iowa profile
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Parks Recreation Fitness schools. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. About 71% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,070, with out-of-state students paying around $19,517. Students borrow a median of $23,001 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. More on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Related Parks Recreation Fitness Rankings
See rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Parks Recreation Fitness Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Parks Recreation Fitness Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Parks Recreation Fitness Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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