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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness Bachelor’s Degree Schools

22 Colleges in the United States
$25,588 Avg Student Debt
$53,868 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness Bachelor's Degree Badge [Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/health-and-physical-education-fitness-other/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong outdoor health & physical education/fitness education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 95 schools to find the best return on investment for outdoor health & physical education/fitness students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the outdoor health & physical education/fitness degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness Schools

1

Leading the list is University Of North Georgia, our #1 best value for outdoor health & physical education/fitness in the United States. Located in the town of Dahlonega, University Of North Georgia is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Typical student debt for outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates is $20,500. Soon after graduation, outdoor health & physical education/fitness degree recipients from University Of North Georgia generally make around $36,740. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.

2

A rank of #2 makes Weber State University one of the best values for outdoor health & physical education/fitness. Located in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates carry a median of $19,588 in student loans. Soon after graduation, outdoor health & physical education/fitness degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $39,059. Set against $19,588 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

A rank of #3 makes Arizona State University one of the best values for outdoor health & physical education/fitness. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,170 to complete the outdoor health & physical education/fitness program here. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $32,651 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,170 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

4

University Of Mississippi Main Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value outdoor health & physical education/fitness schools. Set in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,772, compared with $28,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,034 to complete the outdoor health & physical education/fitness program here. Early-career outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates make about $50,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%.

5

Lewis Clark State College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in outdoor health & physical education/fitness, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Lewiston, Lewis Clark State College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,610, with out-of-state students paying around $22,028. Typical student debt for outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates is $21,475. Soon after graduation, outdoor health & physical education/fitness degree recipients from Lewis Clark State College generally make around $33,176. That is a strong return on a $21,475 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

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6

Missouri Southern State University landed the #6 spot for outdoor health & physical education/fitness value this year. Missouri Southern State University is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Joplin. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,600, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates carry a median of $24,947 in student loans. Early-career outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates make about $34,465. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri Southern State University admits about 97% of applicants.

7
Arkansas Tech University crest
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR

Arkansas Tech University earned the #7 position for value in outdoor health & physical education/fitness this year. Arkansas Tech University is a large public school located in the town of Russellville. In-state tuition and fees average $8,674, with out-of-state students paying around $14,668. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates carry a median of $23,257 in student loans. Early-career outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates make about $45,115. That is a strong return on a $23,257 median debt. Arkansas Tech University admits about 96% of applicants.

8

Western Illinois University came in at #8 for value in outdoor health & physical education/fitness this year. Located in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates is $31,000. Soon after graduation, outdoor health & physical education/fitness degree recipients from Western Illinois University generally make around $28,315. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.

9

Valdosta State University came in at #9 for value in outdoor health & physical education/fitness this year. Valdosta State University is a large public school located in the city of Valdosta. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the outdoor health & physical education/fitness program here. Soon after graduation, outdoor health & physical education/fitness degree recipients from Valdosta State University generally make around $23,364. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.

10

University Of Alaska Anchorage ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value outdoor health & physical education/fitness schools. Set in the city of Anchorage, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,738, with out-of-state students paying around $21,322. Typical student debt for outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates is $21,787. Early-career outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates make about $59,053. Set against $21,787 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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11

Brigham Young University Hawaii landed the #11 spot for outdoor health & physical education/fitness value this year. Brigham Young University Hawaii is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Laie. In-state tuition and fees average $6,630. Early-career outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates make about $41,461. Brigham Young University Hawaii admits about 47% of applicants.

12
Saint Peters College crest
Saint Peters College
Jersey City, NJ

Saint Peters College earned the #12 position for value in outdoor health & physical education/fitness this year. Located in the city of Jersey City, Saint Peters College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $42,552 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,051 to complete the outdoor health & physical education/fitness program here. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates of Saint Peters College earn a median of $19,735 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

13

San Diego State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value outdoor health & physical education/fitness schools. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $51,162 early in their careers. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants.

14

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned the #14 position for value in outdoor health & physical education/fitness this year. Set in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Early-career outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates make about $36,050. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

15

University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #15 spot for outdoor health & physical education/fitness value this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates is $26,000. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $29,866 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

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16

Dickinson State University earned the #16 position for value in outdoor health & physical education/fitness this year. Located in the town of Dickinson, Dickinson State University is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $9,118 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,266 to complete the outdoor health & physical education/fitness program here. Early-career outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates make about $51,049. That is a strong return on a $27,266 median debt. The acceptance rate is 37%.

17

Tennessee Wesleyan College landed the #17 spot for outdoor health & physical education/fitness value this year. Located in the town of Athens, Tennessee Wesleyan College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $30,814. Typical student debt for outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates is $29,750. Soon after graduation, outdoor health & physical education/fitness degree recipients from Tennessee Wesleyan College generally make around $58,859. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%.

18

University Of Sacred Heart ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value outdoor health & physical education/fitness schools. Set in the city of Santurce, University Of Sacred Heart is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates carry a median of $14,493 in student loans. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates of University Of Sacred Heart earn a median of $24,742 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,493 median debt. University Of Sacred Heart admits about 58% of applicants.

19

University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #19 for value in outdoor health & physical education/fitness this year. Set in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical student debt for outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates is $31,000. Soon after graduation, outdoor health & physical education/fitness degree recipients from University Of Akron Main Campus generally make around $49,045. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

20

Concordia University Chicago placed #20 among the best values for outdoor health & physical education/fitness. Concordia University Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of River Forest. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Typical student debt for outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates is $26,166. Early-career outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates make about $58,760. Set against $26,166 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants.

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21

Wright State University Main Campus landed the #21 spot for outdoor health & physical education/fitness value this year. Located in the suburb of Dayton, Wright State University Main Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Typical student debt for outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates is $28,250. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates of Wright State University Main Campus earn a median of $49,077 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

22

Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania landed the #22 spot for outdoor health & physical education/fitness value this year. Set in the town of Bloomsburg, Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,046, while out-of-state students pay about $22,870. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,416. The acceptance rate is 93%.

23
Canisius College crest
Canisius College
Buffalo, NY

Canisius College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value outdoor health & physical education/fitness schools. Located in the city of Buffalo, Canisius College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,200. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates of Canisius College earn a median of $26,254 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

24
University Of Mary crest
University Of Mary
Bismarck, ND

University Of Mary ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value outdoor health & physical education/fitness schools. Set in the rural area of Bismarck, University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $22,356 in tuition and fees. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Outdoor Health & Physical Education/fitness graduates of University Of Mary earn a median of $65,565 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%.

25

Grace College And Theological Seminary came in at #25 for value in outdoor health & physical education/fitness this year. Located in the town of Winona Lake, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,645. Typical student debt for outdoor health & physical education/fitness graduates is $23,250. Soon after graduation, outdoor health & physical education/fitness degree recipients from Grace College And Theological Seminary generally make around $32,549. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in outdoor health & physical education/fitness:

26
27
Coker College crest
Coker College
Hartsville, SC
28
29
Tougaloo College crest
Tougaloo College
Tougaloo, MS
30
31
32
33
Greensboro College crest
Greensboro College
Greensboro, NC
34
Emmanuel College Georgia crest
Emmanuel College Georgia
Franklin Springs, GA
35
36
Otterbein University crest
Otterbein University
Westerville, OH
37
St Catherine University crest
St Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN
38
Emory University crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
39
40
41
42
Campbell University crest
Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC
43
Capital University crest
Capital University
Columbus, OH
44
Gardner Webb University crest
Gardner Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC
45
Lasell College crest
Lasell College
Newton, MA
46
47
Methodist University crest
Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC
48
Dordt College crest
Dordt College
Sioux Center, IA
49
50

Other Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness
Associate's Degrees in Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness
Master's Degrees in Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness
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View All Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness Rankings >

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 95 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 22 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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