2026 Best Value Physical Education Schools in Massachusetts
[Physical Education](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/physical-education/) 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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 9 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for physical education students.
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2026 Best Value Physical Education Schools in Massachusetts
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physical education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Physical Education Schools
For return on investment in physical education, no school beat Fitchburg State University this year. Located in the suburb of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the physical education program here. Early-career physical education graduates make about $48,965. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bridgewater State University earned it the #2 place for physical education. Set in the suburb of Bridgewater, Bridgewater State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,734 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,874. Students borrow a median of $26,632 to complete the physical education program here. Early-career physical education graduates make about $48,937. That is a strong return on a $26,632 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Massachusetts Boston is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical education, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public school located in the city of Boston. In-state tuition and fees average $15,898, while out-of-state students pay about $38,115. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $26,808 in student loans. Physical Education graduates of University Of Massachusetts Boston earn a median of $37,703 early in their careers. Set against $26,808 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Salem State University one of the best values for physical education. Set in the suburb of Salem, Salem State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,338, with out-of-state students paying around $19,531. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career physical education graduates make about $31,755. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Salem State University admits about 96% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in physical education will find it at Westfield State University, which ranked #5. Westfield State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Westfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,179, with out-of-state students paying around $18,259. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the physical education program here. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from Westfield State University generally make around $32,456. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Dean College came in at #6 for value in physical education this year. Located in the suburb of Franklin, Dean College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,526. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career physical education graduates make about $28,609. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dean College admits about 74% of applicants.
Merrimack College placed #7 among the best values for physical education. Set in the suburb of North Andover, Merrimack College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,962. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $26,913. Physical Education graduates of Merrimack College earn a median of $50,506 early in their careers. Set against $26,913 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
More Physical Education Rankings
View All Physical Education Rankings >
Notes and References
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 2 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
