by our College Data Analytics Team
[Exercise Science](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/exercise-science/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 9 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value exercise science schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in exercise science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Northwest Mississippi Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value exercise science schools in Mississippi. Northwest Mississippi Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Senatobia. Students from in state pay about $3,740 in tuition and fees. Exercise Science graduates carry a median of $9,990 in student loans. Early-career exercise science graduates make about $35,001. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Mississippi Main Campus came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value exercise science schools. Set in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,772, compared with $28,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,034 to complete the exercise science program here. Exercise Science graduates of University Of Mississippi Main Campus earn a median of $22,239 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,034 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Southern Mississippi earned it the #3 place for exercise science. Set in the city of Hattiesburg, University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,770 to complete the exercise science program here. Early-career exercise science graduates make about $41,034. Set against $23,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.
Students looking for strong value in exercise science will find it at Mississippi State University, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Mississippi State, Mississippi State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,202 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Typical student debt for exercise science graduates is $25,000. Exercise Science graduates of Mississippi State University earn a median of $34,181 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in exercise science will find it at Blue Mountain College, which ranked #5. Located in the rural area of Blue Mountain, Blue Mountain College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,180. Typical student debt for exercise science graduates is $22,542. Exercise Science graduates of Blue Mountain College earn a median of $36,823 early in their careers. Set against $22,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
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Mississippi College earned the #6 position for value in exercise science this year. Set in the suburb of Clinton, Mississippi College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $23,500 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for exercise science graduates is $24,625. Early-career exercise science graduates make about $30,193. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mississippi College admits about 29% of applicants.
Belhaven University landed the #7 spot for exercise science value this year. Belhaven University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Jackson. In-state tuition and fees average $30,250. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete the exercise science program here. Exercise Science graduates of Belhaven University earn a median of $38,338 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.