2026 Best Value Physical Education Schools in Tennessee

1

The University Of Tennessee Martin
Martin, TN

For return on investment in physical education, no school beat The University Of Tennessee Martin this year. Located in the town of Martin, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $10,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,600. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $23,938 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee Martin generally make around $30,587. That is a strong return on a $23,938 median debt. The University Of Tennessee Martin admits about 88% of applicants.

2

Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN

Students looking for strong value in physical education will find it at Middle Tennessee State University, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,266, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,500 to complete the physical education program here. Physical Education graduates of Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of $36,462 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. Middle Tennessee State University admits about 69% of applicants.

3

Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN

Tennessee Technological University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical education, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,376, with out-of-state students paying around $15,576. Students borrow a median of $15,653 to complete the physical education program here. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from Tennessee Technological University generally make around $40,255. That is a strong return on a $15,653 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

4

Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN

Tennessee State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical education, landing the #4 spot this year. Tennessee State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Nashville. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,416. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from Tennessee State University generally make around $34,855. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

5

Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Austin Peay State University earned it the #5 place for physical education. Austin Peay State University is a large public school located in the city of Clarksville. Students from in state pay about $9,006 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,766. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Physical Education graduates of Austin Peay State University earn a median of $37,636 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

6

Tennessee Wesleyan College
Athens, TN

Tennessee Wesleyan College placed #6 among the best values for physical education. Tennessee Wesleyan College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Athens. In-state tuition and fees average $30,814. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $29,750. Early-career physical education graduates make about $58,859. That is a strong return on a $29,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%.

7

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University came in at #7 for value in physical education this year. Located in the city of Johnson City, East Tennessee State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,216, with out-of-state students paying around $13,726. Students borrow a median of $22,036 to complete the physical education program here. Early-career physical education graduates make about $34,043. That is a strong return on a $22,036 median debt. East Tennessee State University admits about 86% of applicants.

8

Martin Methodist College
Pulaski, TN

Martin Methodist College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value physical education schools. Located in the town of Pulaski, Martin Methodist College is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,924. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete the physical education program here. Physical Education graduates of Martin Methodist College earn a median of $28,069 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Martin Methodist College admits about 87% of applicants.

9

Cumberland University
Lebanon, TN

Cumberland University came in at #9 for value in physical education this year. Set in the town of Lebanon, Cumberland University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,840. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $21,902 in student loans. Physical Education graduates of Cumberland University earn a median of $47,696 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,902 median debt. Cumberland University admits about 67% of applicants.

10

Bryan College Dayton
Dayton, TN

Bryan College Dayton landed the #10 spot for physical education value this year. Located in the town of Dayton, Bryan College Dayton is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,800. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $26,077. Early-career physical education graduates make about $27,342. That is a strong return on a $26,077 median debt.

11

Carson Newman College
Jefferson City, TN

Carson Newman College came in at #11 for value in physical education this year. Located in the suburb of Jefferson City, Carson Newman College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $34,700 in tuition and fees. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $25,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from Carson Newman College generally make around $25,972. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carson Newman College admits about 90% of applicants.

12

Freed Hardeman University
Henderson, TN

Freed Hardeman University earned the #12 position for value in physical education this year. Set in the town of Henderson, Freed Hardeman University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,620. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $24,479 in student loans. Early-career physical education graduates make about $54,530. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

13

Milligan College
Milligan, TN

Milligan College earned the #13 position for value in physical education this year. Located in the suburb of Milligan, Milligan College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,450. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $23,601 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from Milligan College generally make around $64,327. Set against $23,601 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Milligan College admits about 72% of applicants.

14

Bethel University Tennessee
McKenzie, TN

Bethel University Tennessee placed #14 among the best values for physical education. Set in the town of McKenzie, Bethel University Tennessee is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,712. Students borrow a median of $29,677 to complete the physical education program here. Physical Education graduates of Bethel University Tennessee earn a median of $31,638 early in their careers. Set against $29,677 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%.