by our College Data Analytics Team
[Physical Education](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/physical-education/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value physical education schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physical education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Utah Valley University tops our 2026 list of the best value physical education schools in Utah. Set in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $15,252 in student loans. Early-career physical education graduates make about $31,905. That is a strong return on a $15,252 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Weber State University one of the best values for physical education. Located in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $19,588 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $39,059. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in physical education will find it at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #3. Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Provo. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $9,281 in student loans. Physical Education graduates of Brigham Young University Provo earn a median of $25,253 early in their careers. Set against $9,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.
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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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.