2026 Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Schools
Looking for the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1489 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Parks Recreation Fitness Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is American Public University System, our #1 best-value Parks Recreation Fitness school in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $19,312. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,312 median debt. Get the full American Public University System report
International Sports Sciences Association came in at #2 on this year's best-value Parks Recreation Fitness ranking in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Carpinteria, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,265. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $12,917. More on International Sports Sciences Association
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #3 on this year's best-value Parks Recreation Fitness ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Students borrow a median of $12,567 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. Set against $12,567 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brigham Young University Idaho report
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $9,354 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $9,354 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Out of the 1489 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Dickinson State University landed the #5 spot. Based in Dickinson, ND, Dickinson State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,118. Dickinson State University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $27,266 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,720 ten years after entry. Set against $27,266 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 37% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Dickinson State University
Wayne State College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,171. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $25,043. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,075 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,043 median debt. More on Wayne State College
Concordia University Irvine landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,480. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,083. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Concordia University Irvine has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read more about Concordia University Irvine
Chadron State College placed #8 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Based in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,294 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,117 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,002 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,117 median debt. Get the full Chadron State College report
Oklahoma Panhandle State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Goodwell, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,092, compared with $8,675 for out-of-state students. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $24,249. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,933. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Oklahoma Panhandle State University
South Dakota State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,419 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Set against $25,419 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
Minot State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Minot State University is a public school based in Minot, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $25,788. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minot State University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read more about Minot State University
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke placed #12 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public school based in Pembroke, NC. Students from in state pay about $3,648 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,407 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Southwest Minnesota State University placed #13 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Based in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,361. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,342. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southwest Minnesota State University
Ashland University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,210. Ashland University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $24,536 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,928 ten years after entry. Set against $24,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ashland University
West Texas A And M University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Grace College And Theological Seminary landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona Lake, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $29,645. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,411. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Grace College And Theological Seminary
Northwestern Oklahoma State University placed #17 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. This public school is set in Alva, OK. Students from in state pay about $5,970 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,664. Graduates carry a median of $20,418 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,358 ten years after entry. Set against $20,418 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern Oklahoma State University has an acceptance rate of 66%. See the full Northwestern Oklahoma State University profile
University Of North Dakota came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. University Of North Dakota Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $25,110 in debt. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Ashford University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,960. Students borrow a median of $38,750 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $38,750 median debt. Read the full report on Ashford University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $22,396 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Northwest Missouri State University placed #21 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,103 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,885. Set against $26,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Saint Cloud State University placed #22 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Concordia University Chicago landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. Students borrow a median of $26,166 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Concordia University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $54,089 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on Concordia University Chicago
Johnson And Wales University Online placed #25 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. In-state tuition and fees average $13,365. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $43,418 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Johnson And Wales University Online admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Johnson And Wales University Online report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Parks Recreation Fitness Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Western Carolina University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $24,450. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Carolina University profile
Northern State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, while out-of-state students pay about $11,947. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,618. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northern State University
Winona State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $25,431. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Winona State University
University Of Florida Online landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,876, while out-of-state students pay about $16,579. University Of Florida Online Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $19,982 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $19,982 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read more about University Of Florida Online
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $24,936 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of Wisconsin Platteville came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Platteville, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,644, compared with $17,603 for out-of-state students. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,760. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Platteville has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Platteville report
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $26,800. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,032. Set against $26,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
University Of The Cumberlands placed #33 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Williamsburg, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,875. Students borrow a median of $22,630 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. Set against $22,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of The Cumberlands has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full University Of The Cumberlands report
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,250. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $22,542. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,998 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,542 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Point Loma Nazarene University
Youngstown State University placed #35 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $26,393. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Set against $26,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #36 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $23,237 in student loans. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Set against $23,237 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Mississippi University For Women landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,492. Students borrow a median of $20,825 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Mississippi University For Women alumni report median earnings of $46,128 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Mississippi University For Women profile
Midwestern State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $26,415. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,747. That is a strong return on a $26,415 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Midwestern State University
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Central Michigan University
Grand Canyon University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,186 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Canyon University has an acceptance rate of 79%. See the full Grand Canyon University profile
Southeastern Oklahoma State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public school based in Durant, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,200, compared with $16,410 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,660 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,079. Set against $18,660 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University
University Of Minnesota Crookston offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Crookston, MN, University Of Minnesota Crookston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,288 in tuition and fees. University Of Minnesota Crookston Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. University Of Minnesota Crookston alumni report median earnings of $58,056 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Crookston has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Crookston
Southwestern Oklahoma State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a public school based in Weatherford, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,469, with out-of-state students paying around $8,499. Graduates carry a median of $22,551 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,744 ten years after entry. Set against $22,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southwestern Oklahoma State University profile
Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Set in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,527 ten years after entry. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Tarleton State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Stephenville, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $8,302, compared with $18,142 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,040. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Tarleton State University profile
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public school based in River Falls, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $24,245. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Students borrow a median of $27,500 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,500 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
Missouri Western State University placed #47 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Located in Saint Joseph, MO, Missouri Western State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,545, with out-of-state students paying around $18,455. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $24,815. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,647 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Missouri Western State University
Maryville University Of Saint Louis ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,166. Maryville University Of Saint Louis Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,105 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Maryville University Of Saint Louis has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full Maryville University Of Saint Louis report
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $27,418. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,418 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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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