2026 Best Value Parks Recreation Fitness Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1489 schools 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
American Public University System tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness master's degree schools in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. American Public University System Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $19,312 in debt. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full American Public University System report
You'll get strong value at Ashland University, which ranked #2 this year. Ashland University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ashland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,210. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $24,536. 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. Ashland University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Ashland University
Out of the 1489 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Grace College And Theological Seminary landed the #3 spot. Based in Winona Lake, IN, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,645. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $45,411 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Grace College And Theological Seminary report
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Irvine, which ranked #3 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. Concordia University Irvine Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Concordia University Irvine alumni report median earnings of $65,083 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Concordia University Irvine admits about 66% of applicants. More on Concordia University Irvine
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Seward, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,640. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Concordia University Seward alumni report median earnings of $52,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Seward report
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about West Texas A And M University
Saint Cloud State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Saint Cloud State University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $24,936 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,936 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Northwest Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $26,103. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
Minot State University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Minot State University is a public school based in Minot, ND. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,788 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Median earnings reach $51,759 ten years out. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. More on Minot State University
Brigham Young University Provo offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $9,354 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Concordia University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. Graduates carry a median of $26,166 in student loans. 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. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Valparaiso University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,450. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,191 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valparaiso University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Valparaiso University profile
Grand View University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Grand View University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,762. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $26,921. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,824 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,921 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Grand View University
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $46,250 in tuition and fees. Point Loma Nazarene University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $22,542 in debt. Point Loma Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $63,998 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Point Loma Nazarene University
Concordia University Saint Paul landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. Students borrow a median of $29,156 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,871. That is a strong return on a $29,156 median debt. Concordia University Saint Paul admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $26,800 in debt. 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 admits about 72% of applicants. More on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Midwestern State University placed #19 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Located in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,415 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,747. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Midwestern State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Midwestern State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $23,237 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,237 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Illinois State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $21,400. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Set against $21,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Illinois State University report
Mount St Marys University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Mount St Marys University is a private not-for-profit school based in Emmitsburg, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,630. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $23,539. Median earnings reach $64,072 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,539 median debt. Mount St Marys University has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full Mount St Marys University profile
Missouri Western State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Saint Joseph, MO, Missouri Western State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,545 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,455 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,815 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,647 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,815 median debt. See the full Missouri Western State University profile
Concordia University Wisconsin came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Mequon, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $35,470. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Concordia University Wisconsin alumni report median earnings of $56,075 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on Concordia University Wisconsin
Lindenwood University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $28,000. Median earnings reach $53,278 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Lindenwood University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Parks Recreation Fitness Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Ohio Dominican University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio Dominican University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,720. Ohio Dominican University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,748. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ohio Dominican University
Seattle University placed #27 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $17,494. Median earnings reach $75,272 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,494 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Seattle University profile
Southeastern Oklahoma State University placed #28 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public school based in Durant, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,200, while out-of-state students pay about $16,410. Students borrow a median of $18,660 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,079 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Northern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. Northern State University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $24,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,618. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern State University admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on Northern State University
Tarleton State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Stephenville, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,302, with out-of-state students paying around $18,142. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,040 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tarleton State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Tarleton State University
Adams State College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Alamosa, CO, Adams State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,824, while out-of-state students pay about $21,944. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $21,451. Adams State College alumni report median earnings of $44,372 a decade after entry. Set against $21,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Adams State College
Xavier University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $49,425. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $64,873 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Xavier University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Xavier University
Missouri Baptist University placed #34 among the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,122. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program debt is $26,001. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,660. Set against $26,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read more about Missouri Baptist University
Gonzaga University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Students borrow a median of $25,188 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gonzaga University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Gonzaga University
Lasell College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Newton, MA. Students from in state pay about $27,040 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lasell College report
Bob Jones University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Greenville, SC, Bob Jones University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,892. Bob Jones University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,354. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Bob Jones University
Northern Illinois University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $27,418 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,418 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
Endicott College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Beverly, MA, Endicott College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,650. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,336. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Endicott College
Johnson And Wales University Online landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Johnson And Wales University Online is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,365. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. 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. Johnson And Wales University Online has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Johnson And Wales University Online
Howard Payne University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Brownwood, TX, Howard Payne University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,982 in tuition and fees. Howard Payne University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $24,734 in debt. Howard Payne University alumni report median earnings of $48,376 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Howard Payne University has an acceptance rate of 67%. More on Howard Payne University
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. The median Parks Recreation Fitness program 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. More on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
East Central University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ada, OK, East Central University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,032, with out-of-state students paying around $17,842. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $21,200. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,962 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Central University has an acceptance rate of 58%. Get the full East Central University report
Gardner Webb University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,750 in tuition and fees. Gardner Webb University Parks Recreation Fitness students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,039 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Gardner Webb University
California Baptist University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,228. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $27,449. California Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $61,504 a decade after entry. Set against $27,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California Baptist University
University Of Central Arkansas ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. This public school is set in Conway, AR. Students from in state pay about $10,523 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,938 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Central Arkansas profile
Southern Nazarene University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Southern Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bethany, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $31,190. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,951. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. More on Southern Nazarene University
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Students borrow a median of $25,645 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Liberty University report
Avila University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kansas City, MO, Avila University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,200. Typical Parks Recreation Fitness student debt is $29,750. Avila University alumni report median earnings of $52,773 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,750 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Avila University
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Parks Recreation Fitness schools. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Parks Recreation Fitness program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on Ohio University Main Campus
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
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 Graduate Certificate 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. The methodology weighs 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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