by our College Data Analytics Team
[Health & Physical Education](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for health & physical education students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the health & physical education degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Wilmington University, our #1 best value for health & physical education in Delaware. Set in the suburb of New Castle, Wilmington University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,630 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,054 to complete the health & physical education program here. Early-career health & physical education graduates make about $57,142. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Delaware State University one of the best values for health & physical education. Set in the city of Dover, Delaware State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,670 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,634. Students borrow a median of $27,125 to complete the health & physical education program here. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Delaware State University generally make around $25,704. That is a strong return on a $27,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 47%.
Students looking for strong value in health & physical education will find it at University Of Delaware, which ranked #3. University Of Delaware is a very large public school located in the suburb of Newark. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical student debt for health & physical education graduates is $25,336. Health & Physical Education graduates of University Of Delaware earn a median of $26,555 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,336 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Goldey Beacom College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in health & physical education, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Wilmington, Goldey Beacom College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,940. Health & Physical Education graduates carry a median of $20,743 in student loans. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Goldey Beacom College generally make around $57,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
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This ranking is produced 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 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.