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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Schools

24 Colleges in the United States
588 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Degrees Awarded
$52,089 Avg Early-Career Salary

Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

College Factual analyzed 67 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools.

What’s on this page:

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Choosing a Great Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy School

Best Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Schools

Where you study therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy matters for your future. That is why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy rankings. Our overall ranking combines our degree-level rankings, weighted by degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy
Bachelor's Degrees in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy
Master's Degrees in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy
Doctoral Degrees in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

See how we build our rankings

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Best Schools for Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy education, regardless of degree level.

Top Schools in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy

1
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah tops our 2026 ranking of the best therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. About 65% of students finish within six years. About 20 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degrees were awarded at University Of Utah in the most recent year. Students who receive their therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree from University Of Utah earn around $63,793 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,798. More information about a degree in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy from University Of Utah

2
Temple University crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA

Students looking for a strong therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program will find one at Temple University, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. There were roughly 45 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy students who graduated with this degree at Temple University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Temple University generally make around $59,914. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program at Temple University

3

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy, landing the #3 spot this year. This large public university is located in the city of La Crosse. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. There were roughly 43 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin La Crosse in the most recent data year. Graduates of the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program make about $61,039 in their early career. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse graduates carry a median of $21,374 in student loans. Get the full therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy details for University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

4

Students looking for a strong therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program will find one at Capital Community College, which ranked #4. Set in the city of New Britain, Capital Community College is a very large public institution. There were roughly 15 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy students who graduated with this degree at Capital Community College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program make about $43,086 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $12,059. Read more about the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program at Capital Community College

5

Students looking for a strong therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program will find one at University Of North Carolina At Wilmington, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Wilmington, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public university. About 71% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 28 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy students who graduated with this degree at University Of North Carolina At Wilmington in the most recent data year. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earn a median of $39,366 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,500. Get the full therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy details for University Of North Carolina At Wilmington

6

Cuny Lehman College placed #6 among the best therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Located in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public university. About 51% of students finish within six years. Cuny Lehman College awarded about 38 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Cuny Lehman College generally make around $36,811. Students borrow a median of $7,404 to complete this degree. Read more about the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program at Cuny Lehman College

7
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa landed the #7 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Iowa City. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 21 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy students who graduated with this degree at University Of Iowa in the most recent data year. Students who receive their therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree from University Of Iowa earn around $71,754 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,463. See the full therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program report for University Of Iowa

8

East Carolina University placed #8 among the best therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Greenville. About 63% of students finish within six years. East Carolina University awarded about 36 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree from East Carolina University earn around $56,764 in the first couple years of their career. East Carolina University graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Read more about the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program at East Carolina University

9
Aurora University crest
Aurora University
Aurora, IL

Aurora University placed #9 among the best therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Aurora. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 12 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy students who graduated with this degree at Aurora University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program make about $41,856 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,750. See the full therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program report for Aurora University

10

University Of Toledo placed #10 among the best therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Located in the city of Toledo, University Of Toledo is a large public university. University Of Toledo graduates 58% of students within six years. There were roughly 21 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy students who graduated with this degree at University Of Toledo in the most recent data year. Graduates of the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program make about $55,685 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $24,875 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy from University Of Toledo

11

Grand Valley State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Grand Valley State University is a very large public school located in the town of Allendale. About 67% of students finish within six years. About 49 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degrees were awarded at Grand Valley State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program make about $65,197 in their early career. Grand Valley State University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program at Grand Valley State University

12
Kean University crest
Kean University
Union, NJ

Kean University landed the #12 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Set in the suburb of Union, Kean University is a large public institution. Kean University graduates 47% of students within six years. Kean University awarded about 24 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degrees in the most recent data year. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Kean University earn a median of $71,277 early in their careers. Kean University graduates carry a median of $26,703 in student loans. See the full therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program report for Kean University

13

University Of South Alabama landed the #13 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. This large public university is located in the city of Mobile. About 52% of students finish within six years. University Of South Alabama awarded about 11 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degrees in the most recent data year. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of University Of South Alabama earn a median of $73,705 early in their careers. University Of South Alabama graduates carry a median of $26,513 in student loans. See the full therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program report for University Of South Alabama

14
Central Michigan University crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University placed #14 among the best therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Located in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public university. About 59% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 13 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy students who graduated with this degree at Central Michigan University in the most recent data year. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Central Michigan University earn a median of $57,073 early in their careers. Central Michigan University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program report for Central Michigan University

15

Western Carolina University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. This large public university is located in the town of Cullowhee. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. Western Carolina University awarded about 19 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree from Western Carolina University earn around $54,814 in the first couple years of their career. Western Carolina University graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Read more about the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program at Western Carolina University

16

Texas State University San Marcos ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. This very large public university is located in the city of San Marcos. Texas State University San Marcos graduates 55% of students within six years. Texas State University San Marcos awarded about 12 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degrees in the most recent data year. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Texas State University San Marcos earn a median of $58,664 early in their careers. Texas State University San Marcos graduates carry a median of $23,659 in student loans. More information about a degree in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy from Texas State University San Marcos

17

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earned the #17 position for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Located in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 27 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy students who graduated with this degree at Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent data year. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $51,364 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy from Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

18

University Of Southern Mississippi placed #18 among the best therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Set in the city of Hattiesburg, University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. About 16 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degrees were awarded at University Of Southern Mississippi in the most recent year. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of University Of Southern Mississippi earn a median of $52,338 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,415. Read more about the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program at University Of Southern Mississippi

19
Longwood University crest
Longwood University
Farmville, VA

Longwood University landed the #19 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Set in the town of Farmville, Longwood University is a moderately-sized public institution. Longwood University graduates 61% of students within six years. Longwood University awarded about 13 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree from Longwood University earn around $41,700 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,808. See the full therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program report for Longwood University

20

Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #20 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Located in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 50% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 36 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy students who graduated with this degree at Brigham Young University Idaho in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Brigham Young University Idaho generally make around $43,853. Brigham Young University Idaho graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. More information about a degree in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy from Brigham Young University Idaho

21

Eastern Michigan University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. This large public university is located in the suburb of Ypsilanti. Eastern Michigan University graduates 46% of students within six years. Eastern Michigan University awarded about 20 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree from Eastern Michigan University earn around $43,271 in the first couple years of their career. Eastern Michigan University graduates carry a median of $27,425 in student loans. See the full therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program report for Eastern Michigan University

22

Winston Salem State University placed #22 among the best therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Located in the city of Winston-Salem, Winston Salem State University is a moderately-sized public university. About 47% of students finish within six years. Winston Salem State University awarded about 28 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program make about $58,227 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $28,000. Get the full therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy details for Winston Salem State University

23

Southern University And A And M College came in at #23 for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Set in the city of Baton Rouge, Southern University And A And M College is a moderately-sized public institution. Southern University And A And M College graduates 27% of students within six years. There were roughly 30 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy students who graduated with this degree at Southern University And A And M College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Southern University And A And M College generally make around $30,636. Southern University And A And M College graduates carry a median of $38,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy from Southern University And A And M College

24
Fremont College crest
Fremont College
Cerritos, CA

Fremont College earned the #24 position for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Set in the suburb of Cerritos, Fremont College is a small private for-profit institution. Fremont College awarded about 11 therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program make about $17,956 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy from Fremont College

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Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy by Region

View the Best Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 67 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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