2026 Best Value Recreation Administration Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Recreation Administration master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 171 schools 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Recreation Administration Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is South Dakota State University, our #1 best-value Recreation Administration school in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $25,093 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $25,093 median debt. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Out of the 171 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #2 spot. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,032. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
A rank of #3 makes University Of Arkansas one of the best values in the United States. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. University Of Arkansas Recreation Administration students take on a median of $24,019 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Texas earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located 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. University Of North Texas Recreation Administration students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
You'll get strong value at Western Illinois University, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Frostburg State University placed #6 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Located in Frostburg, MD, Frostburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,220, with out-of-state students paying around $25,814. Frostburg State University Recreation Administration students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,493. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Frostburg State University report
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse Recreation Administration students take on a median of $22,005 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,378. Set against $22,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse profile
Western Kentucky University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Kentucky University is a public school based in Bowling Green, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $26,000. Western Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $43,889 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Western Kentucky University profile
Central Michigan University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $27,857. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,857 median debt. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Central Michigan University report
Clemson University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $22,592. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full Clemson University profile
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Florida International University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Miami, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read the full report on Florida International University
University Of Florida came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $18,606. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,606 median debt. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. More on University Of Florida
Eastern Kentucky University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Based in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $25,616. Median earnings reach $45,795 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,616 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Eastern Kentucky University profile
Stephen F Austin State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. Students borrow a median of $24,759 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,634. That is a strong return on a $24,759 median debt. Stephen F Austin State University admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full Stephen F Austin State University report
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Typical Recreation Administration student debt is $24,977. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro report
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Durham, NH, University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,202, compared with $39,852 for out-of-state students. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus Recreation Administration students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,479 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of New Hampshire Main Campus profile
Colorado State University Fort Collins offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Graduates carry a median of $19,628 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,543 ten years out. Set against $19,628 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
University Of Idaho placed #21 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. University Of Idaho is a public school based in Moscow, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,084, compared with $28,320 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,844 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,670 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,844 median debt. University Of Idaho has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full University Of Idaho report
Southern Connecticut State University placed #22 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Southern Connecticut State University is a public school based in New Haven, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $13,442, with out-of-state students paying around $16,942. The median Recreation Administration program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,043 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southern Connecticut State University
Old Dominion University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Located in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,750, while out-of-state students pay about $33,780. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. 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. Old Dominion University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Old Dominion University
West Virginia University placed #24 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Morgantown, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Students borrow a median of $23,772 to complete their Recreation Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,939 ten years after entry. Set against $23,772 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Virginia University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on West Virginia University
Saint Josephs College Of Maine offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. See the full Saint Josephs College Of Maine profile
Arkansas Tech University placed #25 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. More on Arkansas Tech University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Recreation Administration Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Mount Marty College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Mount Marty College profile
Sandhills Community College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. See the full Sandhills Community College profile
Bellevue College
Bellevue College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Read more about Bellevue College
The University Of Montana offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. More on The University Of Montana
Johnson And Wales University Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. See the full Johnson And Wales University Charlotte profile
Middle Tennessee State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Read more about Middle Tennessee State University
Southwest Virginia Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. See the full Southwest Virginia Community College profile
Elon University
Elon University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Get the full Elon University report
Mt San Antonio College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Mt San Antonio College report
Southeastern Illinois College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Southeastern Illinois College
Springfield College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Read more about Springfield College
Cumberland University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. More on Cumberland University
Kent State University At Kent offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Get the full Kent State University At Kent report
University Of Northern Colorado placed #39 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. Read the full report on University Of Northern Colorado
Green River Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Get the full Green River Community College report
Pennsylvania State University Penn State Greater Allegheny placed #41 among the best-value Recreation Administration schools in the United States. See the full Pennsylvania State University Penn State Greater Allegheny profile
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Trinity Christian College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Trinity Christian College
Towson University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Read more about Towson University
Central Washington University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Central Washington University
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. More on Illinois State University
Lees Mcrae College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Get the full Lees Mcrae College report
University Of Maine At Presque Isle offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. More on University Of Maine At Presque Isle
Bucks County Community College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Recreation Administration schools. Get the full Bucks County Community College report
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College report
Related Recreation Administration Value Rankings
Explore 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Recreation Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Recreation Administration 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 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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