[Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy](/majors/health-care-professions/rehab-and-therapeutic-professions/therapeutic-recreation-recreational-therapy/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 67 schools to find the best return on investment for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy students.
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Finding the Best Value Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy School for You
The right therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy school can pay off for years to come. To help, we created our Best Value Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
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Cuny Lehman College tops our 2026 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools in the United States. Set in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,360. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $7,404. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Cuny Lehman College generally make around $36,811. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy will find it at Capital Community College, which ranked #2. Capital Community College is a very large public school located in the city of New Britain. Students from in state pay about $5,338 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,596. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $12,059 in student loans. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $43,086. That is a strong return on a $12,059 median debt.
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the town of Rexburg. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Brigham Young University Idaho generally make around $43,853. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Utah came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $63,793 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants.
Kean University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Located in the suburb of Union, Kean University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,703 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Kean University earn a median of $71,277 early in their careers. Set against $26,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Eastern Washington University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Located in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,586 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. Students borrow a median of $25,326 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Eastern Washington University earn a median of $65,040 early in their careers. Set against $25,326 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Western Carolina University landed the #7 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy value this year. Located in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Western Carolina University earn a median of $54,814 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants.
Chicago State University earned the #8 position for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Chicago State University is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,754 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,757. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $43,322. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $47,477. Set against $43,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.
Indiana State University earned the #9 position for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Located in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Students borrow a median of $25,582 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $73,947. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Southern Maine placed #10 among the best values for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Portland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,090, compared with $29,940 for out-of-state students. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $23,593 in student loans. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from University Of Southern Maine generally make around $48,966. Set against $23,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%.
Northern Arizona University earned the #11 position for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $21,645. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $47,056 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.
Arizona State University came in at #12 for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $21,842. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $44,359 early in their careers. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #13 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy value this year. University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public school located in the city of Hattiesburg. Students from in state pay about $9,998 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from University Of Southern Mississippi generally make around $52,338. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. University Of Southern Mississippi admits about 99% of applicants.
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #14 for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public school located in the city of La Crosse. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $21,374 in student loans. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $61,039. Set against $21,374 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Winston Salem State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Set in the city of Winston-Salem, Winston Salem State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,126, compared with $16,782 for out-of-state students. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Winston Salem State University earn a median of $58,227 early in their careers. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
University Of South Alabama placed #16 among the best values for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. Set in the city of Mobile, University Of South Alabama is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,116, compared with $19,092 for out-of-state students. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $26,513 in student loans. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from University Of South Alabama generally make around $73,705. Set against $26,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Central Michigan University landed the #17 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy value this year. Set in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Central Michigan University earn a median of $57,073 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #18 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy value this year. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public school located in the city of Milwaukee. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn a median of $55,121 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
East Carolina University earned the #19 position for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Located in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of East Carolina University earn a median of $56,764 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Set in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Students borrow a median of $23,659 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Texas State University San Marcos earn a median of $58,664 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Grand Valley State University placed #21 among the best values for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. Located in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $65,197. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%.
University Of Toledo ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Set in the city of Toledo, University Of Toledo is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,157, with out-of-state students paying around $21,517. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $24,875. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from University Of Toledo generally make around $55,685. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Toledo admits about 92% of applicants.
Eastern Michigan University landed the #23 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy value this year. Eastern Michigan University is a large public school located in the suburb of Ypsilanti. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $27,425 in student loans. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Eastern Michigan University earn a median of $43,271 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington landed the #24 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy value this year. Located in the city of Wilmington, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,277, with out-of-state students paying around $24,152. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $39,366. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
Aurora University earned the #25 position for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Located in the suburb of Aurora, Aurora University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,170. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $41,856. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Aurora University admits about 81% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 37 Best Value Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year:
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Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Related Rankings by Major
Explore other best-value rankings in majors related to Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy. Browse the parent area of study.
ADBLOCK #115
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 67 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 24 ranked schools only.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
[Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy](/majors/health-care-professions/rehab-and-therapeutic-professions/therapeutic-recreation-recreational-therapy/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
