2026 Best Value Recreation Administration Schools
Looking for the best-value Recreation Administration programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 171 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Recreation Administration Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Idaho this year in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho Recreation Administration students take on a median of $12,567 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Set against $12,567 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile
A rank of #2 makes South Dakota State University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $25,093. 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. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
A rank of #3 makes Johnson And Wales University Online one of the best values in the United States. Set in Providence, RI, Johnson And Wales University Online is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,365. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,418. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Johnson And Wales University Online
Out of the 171 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Saint Cloud State University landed the #4 spot. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Saint Cloud State University Recreation Administration students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
A rank of #5 makes Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania one of the best values in the United States. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Western Carolina University placed #6 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,252 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. Set against $22,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Western Carolina University
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Eastern Illinois University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Located in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. 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. Read the full report on Eastern Illinois University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Weatherford, OK, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,469, while out-of-state students pay about $8,499. Southwestern Oklahoma State University Recreation Administration students take on a median of $19,757 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,744 ten years out. Set against $19,757 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Southwestern Oklahoma State University report
Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $29,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full Western Illinois University report
University Of Arkansas placed #11 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $24,019. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
Missouri Western State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Saint Joseph, MO, Missouri Western State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,545, with out-of-state students paying around $18,455. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $24,362. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,647. That is a strong return on a $24,362 median debt. See the full Missouri Western State University profile
Henderson State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Henderson State University is a public school based in Arkadelphia, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,244, with out-of-state students paying around $10,620. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $25,000. Henderson State University alumni report median earnings of $43,459 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Henderson State University
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse placed #14 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Based in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Graduates carry a median of $22,005 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,378 ten years after entry. Set against $22,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Illinois State University placed #15 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
Florida International University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Florida International University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read more about Florida International University
University Of Florida placed #17 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $18,606 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on University Of Florida
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Wilmington, NC, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,277, while out-of-state students pay about $24,152. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $23,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,967 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Wilmington profile
Arkansas Tech University placed #19 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Located in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,674, with out-of-state students paying around $14,668. Arkansas Tech University Recreation Administration students take on a median of $23,726 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,766 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,726 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on Arkansas Tech University
University Of Northern Colorado landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Greeley, CO, University Of Northern Colorado is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $24,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,231 ten years after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Northern Colorado has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Northern Colorado
University Of North Texas landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. More on University Of North Texas
Central Michigan University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,857 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Central Michigan University
Western Michigan University placed #25 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $27,981. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on Western Michigan University
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,236, with out-of-state students paying around $19,202. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania Recreation Administration students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,148 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
Kansas State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kansas State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Recreation Administration Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Kean University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Kean University is a public school based in Union, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $27,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,237. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kean University report
Suny College At Brockport landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brockport, NY, Suny College At Brockport is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,752, with out-of-state students paying around $15,822. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,496. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College At Brockport has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on Suny College At Brockport
Western Kentucky University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. This public school is set in Bowling Green, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $43,889 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Western Kentucky University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Florida State University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tallahassee, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Graduates carry a median of $20,488 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Florida State University
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
University Of West Georgia ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Located in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,088, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. University Of West Georgia Recreation Administration students take on a median of $28,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,587 ten years out. Set against $28,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia
Eastern Washington University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $21,384. Eastern Washington University alumni report median earnings of $57,897 a decade after entry. Set against $21,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Eastern Washington University
Indiana State University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,387 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. See the full Indiana State University profile
University Of Central Oklahoma offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. University Of Central Oklahoma is a public school based in Edmond, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $8,818, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $23,321. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,351. Set against $23,321 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about University Of Central Oklahoma
Clemson University placed #39 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,592 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. Set against $22,592 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on Clemson University
Saint Josephs College New York placed #40 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Brooklyn, NY. Students from in state pay about $36,550 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Saint Josephs College New York profile
Suny College At Cortland landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cortland, NY, Suny College At Cortland is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,874, with out-of-state students paying around $18,784. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $25,369. Suny College At Cortland alumni report median earnings of $60,236 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,369 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on Suny College At Cortland
Frostburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Frostburg, MD, Frostburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,814 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,493. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Frostburg State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Frostburg State University
Kent State University At Kent placed #43 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Located in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Kent State University At Kent Recreation Administration students take on a median of $21,074 in debt. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Kent State University At Kent
Stephen F Austin State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $24,759. Median earnings reach $49,634 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stephen F Austin State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Stephen F Austin State University
Old Dominion University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Old Dominion University is a public school based in Norfolk, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,750, compared with $33,780 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,914 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Old Dominion University profile
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Students borrow a median of $24,977 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,160. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $22,337. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #48 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Based in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $19,628. Colorado State University Fort Collins alumni report median earnings of $60,543 a decade after entry. Set against $19,628 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Ball State University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $24,518. Median earnings reach $51,833 ten years out. Set against $24,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ball State University profile
Middle Tennessee State University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Murfreesboro, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Students borrow a median of $28,545 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,541 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,545 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read more about Middle Tennessee State University
Mt San Antonio College placed #51 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Based in Walnut, CA, Mt San Antonio College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,384 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Median earnings reach $46,283 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Mt San Antonio College
Baldwin Wallace College came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Berea, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $39,832. Students borrow a median of $27,307 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,122. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Baldwin Wallace College admits about 76% of applicants. More on Baldwin Wallace College
Appalachian State University landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,579 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,212. Appalachian State University Recreation Administration students take on a median of $19,706 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,836 ten years after entry. Set against $19,706 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Appalachian State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Appalachian State University
Best Value Recreation Administration Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Recreation Administration Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Recreation Administration Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Recreation Administration Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Recreation Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Recreation Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Recreation Administration Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Recreation Administration Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 171 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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