2026 Best Value Recreation Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Recreation Administration bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 171 colleges 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Recreation Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Brigham Young University Idaho to be the best-value Recreation Administration school 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. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $12,567. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,567 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile
South Dakota State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Recreation Administration ranking in the United States. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,093 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. 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. Based in Providence, RI, Johnson And Wales University Online is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,365. Typical Recreation Administration student 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. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Johnson And Wales University Online
You'll get strong value at Saint Cloud State University, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on Saint Cloud State University
Western Carolina University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Recreation Administration ranking in the United States. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Students borrow a median of $22,252 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. That is a strong return on a $22,252 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Carolina University
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $26,000. 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. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Eastern Illinois University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Eastern Illinois University is a public school based in Charleston, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,377, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $22,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,989. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Eastern Illinois University report
Southwestern Oklahoma State University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Weatherford, OK, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,469, while out-of-state students pay about $8,499. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $19,757. Southwestern Oklahoma State University alumni report median earnings of $45,744 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,757 median debt. Read more about Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Western Illinois University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Western Illinois University Recreation Administration students take on a median of $29,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,070 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse Recreation Administration students take on a median of $22,005 in debt. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse alumni report median earnings of $60,378 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse admits about 76% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Missouri Western State University placed #12 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Set in Saint Joseph, MO, Missouri Western State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,545, while out-of-state students pay about $18,455. Missouri Western State University Recreation Administration students take on a median of $24,362 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,647. Set against $24,362 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Missouri Western State University
Henderson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,244, with out-of-state students paying around $10,620. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $25,000. Henderson State University alumni report median earnings of $43,459 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Henderson State University report
University Of Florida placed #14 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. Graduates carry a median of $18,606 in student loans. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Set against $18,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. More on University Of Florida
Florida International University placed #14 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Based 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Florida International University profile
Illinois State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Illinois State University Recreation Administration students take on a median of $22,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Illinois State University
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public school based in Wilmington, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,277 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington Recreation Administration students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington alumni report median earnings of $54,967 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
Arkansas Tech University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Arkansas Tech University is a public school based in Russellville, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,674, while out-of-state students pay about $14,668. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $23,726. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,766. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arkansas Tech University
University Of Northern Colorado came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. University Of Northern Colorado is a public school based in Greeley, CO. Students from in state pay about $11,901 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. University Of Northern Colorado Recreation Administration students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. 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. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Northern Colorado
Western Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Western Michigan University is a public school based in Kalamazoo, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,981 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full Western Michigan University report
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,236, while out-of-state students pay about $19,202. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,148 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. 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. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Texas
Kansas State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kansas State University
Kean University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Union, NJ, Kean University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,299, with out-of-state students paying around $22,446. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $27,625. Median earnings reach $57,237 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kean University admits about 76% of applicants. See the full Kean University profile
Suny College At Brockport ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Located in Brockport, NY, Suny College At Brockport is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,752, while out-of-state students pay about $15,822. Suny College At Brockport Recreation Administration students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Suny College At Brockport alumni report median earnings of $54,496 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Suny College At Brockport admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full Suny College At Brockport report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Recreation Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #27 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Recreation Administration students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Florida State University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $20,488. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. Set against $20,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. More on Florida State University
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $23,000. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
University Of West Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,800. Students borrow a median of $28,750 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Median earnings reach $49,587 ten years out. Set against $28,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of West Georgia
Eastern Washington University placed #31 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Located in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $21,384. Eastern Washington University alumni report median earnings of $57,897 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Eastern Washington University
Indiana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Indiana State University is a public school based in Terre Haute, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,258, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,387. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Indiana State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full Indiana State University report
University Of Central Oklahoma offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Edmond, OK, University Of Central Oklahoma is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,818 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. Typical Recreation Administration student 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. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Central Oklahoma report
Saint Josephs College New York ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Saint Josephs College New York is a private not-for-profit school based in Brooklyn, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,550. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $26,000. Saint Josephs College New York alumni report median earnings of $63,905 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Josephs College New York admits about 72% of applicants. More on Saint Josephs College New York
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Students borrow a median of $22,592 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,592 median debt. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. More on Clemson University
Suny College At Cortland landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cortland, NY, Suny College At Cortland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,874, while out-of-state students pay about $18,784. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $25,369. Median earnings reach $60,236 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Suny College At Cortland report
Kent State University At Kent came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $21,074. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Set against $21,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
Old Dominion University placed #39 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Old Dominion University is a public school based in Norfolk, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,750, while out-of-state students pay about $33,780. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Old Dominion University alumni report median earnings of $54,914 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Old Dominion University
Ball State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $24,518. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,833. That is a strong return on a $24,518 median debt. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Ball State University
Middle Tennessee State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,266, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Middle Tennessee State University Recreation Administration students take on a median of $28,545 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,541. Set against $28,545 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read the full report on Middle Tennessee State University
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #42 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Located 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, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Colorado State University Fort Collins Recreation Administration students take on a median of $19,628 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,628 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Appalachian State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Appalachian State University is a public school based in Boone, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,579, with out-of-state students paying around $25,212. Appalachian State University Recreation Administration students take on a median of $19,706 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,836. Set against $19,706 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Appalachian State University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Appalachian State University report
Baldwin Wallace College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Berea, OH. Students from in state pay about $39,832 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,307 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Median earnings reach $54,122 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,307 median debt. Baldwin Wallace College admits about 76% of applicants. More on Baldwin Wallace College
Central Washington University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Central Washington University is a public school based in Ellensburg, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,417, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,333 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Central Washington University alumni report median earnings of $61,580 a decade after entry. Set against $23,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Central Washington University
University Of Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. University Of Idaho is a public school based in Moscow, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,084, while out-of-state students pay about $28,320. Graduates carry a median of $23,844 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,670 ten years after entry. Set against $23,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about University Of Idaho
University Of St Francis came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,110. University Of St Francis Recreation Administration students take on a median of $25,695 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,926. Set against $25,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read more about University Of St Francis
Southern Connecticut State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. This public school is set in New Haven, CT. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,442, with out-of-state students paying around $16,942. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $55,043 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Connecticut State University admits about 92% of applicants. See the full Southern Connecticut State University profile
Johnson And Wales University Charlotte placed #48 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Located in Charlotte, NC, Johnson And Wales University Charlotte is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,982. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $27,000. Johnson And Wales University Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $43,418 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Johnson And Wales University Charlotte
North Carolina Central University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. North Carolina Central University is a public school based in Durham, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,699, compared with $19,735 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,968. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina Central University admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about North Carolina Central University
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus placed #51 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Set in Durham, NH, University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,202 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,852. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $27,000. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $66,479 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
University Of Mississippi Main Campus placed #51 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Set in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,772 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $22,213. Median earnings reach $50,994 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,213 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Mississippi Main Campus
Related Recreation Administration Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Recreation Administration Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Recreation Administration Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Recreation Administration 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 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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