2026 Best Value Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

For return on investment in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy, no school beat Arizona State University this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $44,359. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

2

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Students looking for strong value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy will find it at Northern Arizona University, which ranked #2. 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. Students borrow a median of $21,645 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $47,056. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

3

Texas State University San Marcos
San Marcos, TX

Texas State University San Marcos is a great value for students pursuing a degree in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $23,659. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Texas State University San Marcos generally make around $58,664. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

4

Prescott College
Prescott, AZ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Prescott College earned it the #4 place for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. Prescott College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Prescott. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,490. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $27,230 in student loans. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Prescott College generally make around $42,966. Set against $27,230 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.