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2026 Best Value Physical Education Schools in Illinois
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the physical education degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Physical Education Schools
Leading the list is Harper College, our #1 best value for physical education in Illinois. Harper College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Palatine. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,894, while out-of-state students pay about $11,874. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $10,963 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from Harper College generally make around $44,523. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes College Of Lake County one of the best values for physical education. Set in the suburb of Grayslake, College Of Lake County is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,788, compared with $14,400 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $9,785. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from College Of Lake County generally make around $50,314. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in physical education will find it at Northern Illinois University, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $27,418 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from Northern Illinois University generally make around $36,011. That is a strong return on a $27,418 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value physical education schools. Set in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $23,237. Physical Education graduates of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn a median of $34,811 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Concordia University Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical education, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of River Forest, Concordia University Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,488 in tuition and fees. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $26,166 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from Concordia University Chicago generally make around $58,760. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
ADBLOCK #101
Quincy University earned the #6 position for value in physical education this year. Located in the town of Quincy, Quincy University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $37,140. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $26,691 in student loans. Physical Education graduates of Quincy University earn a median of $46,414 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Quincy University admits about 51% of applicants.
Monmouth College placed #7 among the best values for physical education. Monmouth College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Monmouth. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,922. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $25,757. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from Monmouth College generally make around $36,675. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
North Park University landed the #8 spot for physical education value this year. North Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $36,710. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $25,495 in student loans. Early-career physical education graduates make about $30,165. That is a strong return on a $25,495 median debt. North Park University admits about 68% of applicants.
Illinois State University placed #9 among the best values for physical education. Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. Early-career physical education graduates make about $37,059. That is a strong return on a $21,250 median debt. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants.
[Physical Education](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/physical-education/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong physical education education at a price that pays off.
