2026 Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1489 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found American Public University System to be the 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. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,312 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,312 median debt. Read the full report on American Public University System
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Winona State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $25,431 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. Set against $25,431 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants. More on Winona State University
Concordia University Chicago came in at #3 on this year's best-value Parks Recreation Fitness ranking in the United States. Set in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $26,166. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. That is a strong return on a $26,166 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
You'll get strong value at Liberty University, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Liberty University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $25,645 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full Liberty University report
A rank of #5 makes Missouri State University Springfield one of the best values in the United States. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public school based in Charleston, SC. Students from in state pay about $12,570 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,508 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,085. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 23%. Read the full report on Citadel Military College Of South Carolina
Missouri Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,122. Missouri Baptist University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $26,001 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,660. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read the full report on Missouri Baptist University
Belhaven University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Belhaven University is a private not-for-profit school based in Jackson, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $30,250. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $26,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,440. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. More on Belhaven University
Salem State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Salem State University is a public school based in Salem, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,338, while out-of-state students pay about $19,531. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Salem State University alumni report median earnings of $56,662 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Salem State University admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Salem State University
National University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. National University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $30,426 in debt. 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
Western Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $24,874. Western Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $43,889 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full Western Kentucky University report
Shenandoah University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Shenandoah University is a private not-for-profit school based in Winchester, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,950. Shenandoah University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,433. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on Shenandoah University
University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. University Of Southern Mississippi Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $23,924 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,140. That is a strong return on a $23,924 median debt. University Of Southern Mississippi has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report
Clemson University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Clemson University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $22,592 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on Clemson University
California State University Long Beach placed #16 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. California State University Long Beach Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $14,550 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. Set against $14,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $61,258 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
Central Michigan University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Central Michigan University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $21,300. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $21,300 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
East Carolina University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. East Carolina University is a public school based in Greenville, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $26,800. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,146 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,800 median debt. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about East Carolina University
University Of Memphis came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $27,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. 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
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #22 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Set in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Graduates carry a median of $21,526 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
University Of Iowa came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $23,863. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Iowa report
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $19,707 in student loans. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Florida
University Of North Florida ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. University Of North Florida is a public school based in Jacksonville, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,964, compared with $19,407 for out-of-state students. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $16,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,343. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Florida
Georgia Southern University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Located in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,022, with out-of-state students paying around $17,734. Graduates carry a median of $25,327 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,236. Set against $25,327 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Southern University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Georgia Southern University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Parks Recreation Fitness Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Plymouth State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This public school is set in Plymouth, NH. Students from in state pay about $14,626 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,566 for out-of-state students. Plymouth State University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,304. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Plymouth State University
Drexel University placed #28 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $27,672. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,648. That is a strong return on a $27,672 median debt. Drexel University has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on Drexel University
Wright State University Main Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. Students from in state pay about $10,991 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Graduates carry a median of $28,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,500. That is a strong return on a $28,250 median debt. Wright State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full Wright State University Main Campus report
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,094 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. More on University Of Kentucky
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $22,176. Median earnings reach $57,413 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Miami University Oxford ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This public school is set in Oxford, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $17,519, compared with $38,965 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,076. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Miami University Oxford
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #33 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. Columbia University In The City Of New York alumni report median earnings of $102,491 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #34 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Connecticut offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. University Of Connecticut is a public school based in Storrs, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Median earnings reach $73,997 ten years out. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read more about University Of Connecticut
East Tennessee State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This public school is set in Johnson City, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,216, with out-of-state students paying around $13,726. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $22,036. Median earnings reach $44,859 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,036 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full East Tennessee State University profile
College Of The Siskiyous came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. More on College Of The Siskiyous
Hamline University placed #37 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. See the full Hamline University profile
Mount Olive College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. More on Mount Olive College
Northwest Nazarene University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Northwest Nazarene University
Quincy University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. See the full Quincy University profile
Clayton State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Clayton State University profile
Colorado State University Pueblo offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Read the full report on Colorado State University Pueblo
Eastern Iowa Community College District placed #43 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Read more about Eastern Iowa Community College District
Mount Mercy University placed #44 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Get the full Mount Mercy University report
Selma University
Selma University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Selma University
Whitworth University placed #46 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. More on Whitworth University
Albright College
Albright College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. More on Albright College
Chowan University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Chowan University report
Lassen Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. More on Lassen Community College
Mississippi College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Mississippi College
Related Parks Recreation Fitness Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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