2026 Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1489 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
American Public University System tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness bachelor's degree schools in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. American Public University System Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $19,312 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,312 median debt. Get the full American Public University System report
A rank of #2 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $9,354 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $9,354 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
A rank of #3 makes Brigham Young University Idaho one of the best values in the United States. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $12,567. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Dickinson State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Dickinson, ND, Dickinson State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,118. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $27,266. 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. The acceptance rate is 37%. More on Dickinson State University
A rank of #5 makes Wayne State College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,171. Students borrow a median of $25,043 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,075 ten years after entry. Set against $25,043 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wayne State College profile
Chadron State College placed #6 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Based in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,294. Students borrow a median of $26,117 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Chadron State College alumni report median earnings of $47,002 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Chadron State College
Oklahoma Panhandle State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Goodwell, OK, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,092 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,675 for out-of-state students. Oklahoma Panhandle State University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $24,249 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,933 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Minot State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $25,788. Minot State University alumni report median earnings of $51,759 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. See the full Minot State University profile
South Dakota State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $25,419. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,407 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke report
Southwest Minnesota State University placed #11 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Located in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,361 in tuition and fees. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $26,000. Southwest Minnesota State University alumni report median earnings of $51,342 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Northwestern Oklahoma State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Alva, OK, Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,970 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,664 for out-of-state students. Northwestern Oklahoma State University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $20,418 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,358. Set against $20,418 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northwestern Oklahoma State University
West Texas A And M University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
Johnson And Wales University Online offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Johnson And Wales University Online is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,365. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Johnson And Wales University Online alumni report median earnings of $43,418 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Johnson And Wales University Online
University Of North Dakota ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $25,110. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Ashford University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,960. Students borrow a median of $38,750 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,404. Set against $38,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Ashford University
Western Carolina University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,450 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. That is a strong return on a $24,450 median debt. Western Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Western Carolina University profile
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $22,396. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,396 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Northern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Aberdeen, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Northern State University profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $23,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Saint Cloud State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
University Of Florida Online landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida Online is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,876, with out-of-state students paying around $16,579. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $19,982. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida Online admits about 61% of applicants. Read more about University Of Florida Online
Winona State University placed #23 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $25,431. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full Winona State University report
University Of Wisconsin Platteville ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Based in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,644 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,603. University Of Wisconsin Platteville Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,760. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Platteville
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #25 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $26,800 in student loans. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,032 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Parks Recreation Fitness Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
United States Sports Academy placed #26 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Daphne, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,700. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,257. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on United States Sports Academy
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Students borrow a median of $26,103 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. Set against $26,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
University Of The Cumberlands placed #28 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,875. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $22,630. University Of The Cumberlands alumni report median earnings of $45,036 a decade after entry. Set against $22,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of The Cumberlands
Youngstown State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,393 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,393 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
Mississippi University For Women came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,492. Mississippi University For Women Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $20,825 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,128. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi University For Women admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Mississippi University For Women report
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $24,936. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $24,936 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Eastern Illinois University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Charleston, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $24,500. Median earnings reach $51,989 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. More on Eastern Illinois University
Western Illinois University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $30,600. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
Central Michigan University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Central Michigan University
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,617. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
Grand Canyon University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. See the full Grand Canyon University profile
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Based in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,070, with out-of-state students paying around $19,517. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $23,001. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,378. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse report
University Of Minnesota Crookston placed #39 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Set in Crookston, MN, University Of Minnesota Crookston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,288. University Of Minnesota Crookston Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,056. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Crookston
University Of Memphis came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. That is a strong return on a $27,500 median debt. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
National University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $30,426. National University alumni report median earnings of $67,548 a decade after entry. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on National University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Weatherford, OK, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,469 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,499. Students borrow a median of $22,551 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Southwestern Oklahoma State University alumni report median earnings of $45,744 a decade after entry. Set against $22,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Southwestern Oklahoma State University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #43 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. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Maryville University Of Saint Louis ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,166. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,105. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Maryville University Of Saint Louis
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public school based in Stevens Point, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $25,200 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Wilmington, NC, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,277, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington alumni report median earnings of $54,967 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Wilmington report
Tarleton State University placed #45 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. This public school is set in Stephenville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,302, while out-of-state students pay about $18,142. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,040. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Tarleton State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Tarleton State University
Northern Illinois University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Northern Illinois University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $27,418 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $27,418 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,206 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,775. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Missouri Western State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Based in Saint Joseph, MO, Missouri Western State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,545, while out-of-state students pay about $18,455. Graduates carry a median of $24,815 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,647. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Missouri Western State University profile
University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Graduates carry a median of $26,419 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,105. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Related Parks Recreation Fitness Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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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