2026 Best Value Physical Education Schools in Iowa
[Physical Education](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/physical-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for physical education students.
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2026 Best Value Physical Education Schools in Iowa
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physical education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Physical Education Schools
Our analysis ranked University Of Northern Iowa the best value for a degree in physical education in Iowa. Set in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the physical education program here. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $37,954. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Students looking for strong value in physical education will find it at Briar Cliff University, which ranked #2. Briar Cliff University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Sioux City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,642. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $27,000. Physical Education graduates of Briar Cliff University earn a median of $61,105 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in physical education will find it at Grand View University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Des Moines, Grand View University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,762 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,921 to complete the physical education program here. Physical Education graduates of Grand View University earn a median of $43,236 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,921 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
William Penn University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value physical education schools. Set in the town of Oskaloosa, William Penn University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,750. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from William Penn University generally make around $39,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 52%.
Saint Ambrose University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical education, landing the #5 spot this year. Saint Ambrose University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Davenport. Students from in state pay about $36,658 in tuition and fees. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Physical Education graduates of Saint Ambrose University earn a median of $57,252 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
Upper Iowa University came in at #6 for value in physical education this year. Set in the rural area of Fayette, Upper Iowa University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $19,475 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,641 to complete the physical education program here. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from Upper Iowa University generally make around $35,361. Set against $25,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Cornell College landed the #7 spot for physical education value this year. Located in the town of Mount Vernon, Cornell College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $52,660 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from Cornell College generally make around $35,439. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
Dordt College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value physical education schools. Set in the town of Sioux Center, Dordt College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,050. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $21,812. Physical Education graduates of Dordt College earn a median of $54,926 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
More Physical Education Rankings
View All Physical Education Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 4 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.
