ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Health & Physical Education Schools in the Southwest Region

68 Colleges in the United States
$21,245 Avg Student Debt
$50,695 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Health & Physical Education Badge [Health & Physical Education](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-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 153 schools to find the best return on investment for health & physical education students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 6
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 31.05), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Exercise & Sports Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Exercise & Sports Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Business Administration - Sport Management" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Business Administration - Sport Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Sport Management" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Sport Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MBA in Sport Management" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MBA in Sport Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Sport Management" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Sport Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Exercise Science (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Exercise Science (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 5
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 1 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 1
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 0 offers with relevance >= 1.0
DEBUG: Backfilling with 0 offers with relevance >= 0.9
DEBUG: Backfilling with 1 offers with relevance >= 0.8

2026 Best Value Health & Physical Education Schools in the Southwest Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in health & physical education, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Health & Physical Education Schools

1

For return on investment in health & physical education, no school beat South Texas College this year. South Texas College is a very large public school located in the city of McAllen. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,920, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. Students borrow a median of $4,500 to complete the health & physical education program here. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from South Texas College generally make around $22,699. Set against $4,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Students looking for strong value in health & physical education will find it at Pima Community College, which ranked #2. Pima Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,442, with out-of-state students paying around $7,758. Health & Physical Education graduates carry a median of $10,655 in student loans. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Pima Community College generally make around $40,977. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Students looking for strong value in health & physical education will find it at El Paso Community College, which ranked #3. Set in the city of El Paso, El Paso Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,274, while out-of-state students pay about $5,314. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete the health & physical education program here. Health & Physical Education graduates of El Paso Community College earn a median of $21,750 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M International University earned it the #4 place for health & physical education. Texas A And M International University is a large public school located in the city of Laredo. In-state tuition and fees average $7,894, with out-of-state students paying around $19,454. Students borrow a median of $19,327 to complete the health & physical education program here. Early-career health & physical education graduates make about $24,867. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 44%.

5

Central New Mexico Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in health & physical education, landing the #5 spot this year. Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Albuquerque. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Typical student debt for health & physical education graduates is $10,112. Early-career health & physical education graduates make about $34,751. That is a strong return on a $10,112 median debt.

ADBLOCK #101
6

Southeastern Oklahoma State University came in at #6 for value in health & physical education this year. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Durant. In-state tuition and fees average $7,200, with out-of-state students paying around $16,410. Students borrow a median of $18,660 to complete the health & physical education program here. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Southeastern Oklahoma State University generally make around $53,961. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southeastern Oklahoma State University admits about 76% of applicants.

7

The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #7 for value in health & physical education this year. The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public school located in the city of Edinburg. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Typical student debt for health & physical education graduates is $15,110. Health & Physical Education graduates of The University Of Texas Pan American earn a median of $44,258 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants.

8

Western Texas College came in at #8 for value in health & physical education this year. Located in the town of Snyder, Western Texas College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, compared with $6,150 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for health & physical education graduates is $8,691. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Western Texas College generally make around $68,077. That is a strong return on a $8,691 median debt.

9

Austin Community College District landed the #9 spot for health & physical education value this year. Austin Community College District is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Health & Physical Education graduates carry a median of $14,625 in student loans. Early-career health & physical education graduates make about $44,895. That is a strong return on a $14,625 median debt.

10

Central Texas College came in at #10 for value in health & physical education this year. Central Texas College is a large public school located in the suburb of Killeen. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,750, while out-of-state students pay about $7,500. Health & Physical Education graduates carry a median of $11,290 in student loans. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Central Texas College generally make around $53,086. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

ADBLOCK #115
11
Grayson College crest
Grayson College
Denison, TX

Grayson College came in at #11 for value in health & physical education this year. Set in the rural area of Denison, Grayson College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,000 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,300. Students borrow a median of $11,627 to complete the health & physical education program here. Health & Physical Education graduates of Grayson College earn a median of $42,487 early in their careers. Set against $11,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12

Tulsa Community College came in at #12 for value in health & physical education this year. Set in the city of Tulsa, Tulsa Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,792 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,720. Students borrow a median of $15,789 to complete the health & physical education program here. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Tulsa Community College generally make around $41,718. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

13
Yavapai College crest
Yavapai College
Prescott, AZ

Yavapai College landed the #13 spot for health & physical education value this year. Set in the city of Prescott, Yavapai College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,948 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,486 for out-of-state students. Health & Physical Education graduates carry a median of $14,087 in student loans. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Yavapai College generally make around $52,087. Set against $14,087 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

14

New Mexico State University Main Campus landed the #14 spot for health & physical education value this year. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the suburb of Las Cruces. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, compared with $25,307 for out-of-state students. Health & Physical Education graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Health & Physical Education graduates of New Mexico State University Main Campus earn a median of $23,701 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

15

Paris Junior College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value health & physical education schools. Set in the town of Paris, Paris Junior College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,700, with out-of-state students paying around $5,700. Typical student debt for health & physical education graduates is $8,846. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Paris Junior College generally make around $38,811. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

ADBLOCK #145
16
Lee College crest
Lee College
Baytown, TX

Lee College placed #16 among the best values for health & physical education. Located in the city of Baytown, Lee College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,520, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. Health & Physical Education graduates carry a median of $10,941 in student loans. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Lee College generally make around $53,448. That is a strong return on a $10,941 median debt.

17

University Of Houston Victoria earned the #17 position for value in health & physical education this year. Set in the city of Victoria, University Of Houston Victoria is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,149 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,941. Typical student debt for health & physical education graduates is $24,081. Early-career health & physical education graduates make about $47,345. That is a strong return on a $24,081 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

18

Western New Mexico University placed #18 among the best values for health & physical education. Western New Mexico University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Silver City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,855, while out-of-state students pay about $14,341. Health & Physical Education graduates carry a median of $27,425 in student loans. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Western New Mexico University generally make around $48,366. Set against $27,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

19

Western Oklahoma State College placed #19 among the best values for health & physical education. Western Oklahoma State College is a small public school located in the town of Altus. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,390, with out-of-state students paying around $9,758. Typical student debt for health & physical education graduates is $14,654. Early-career health & physical education graduates make about $39,122. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20

Texas Womans University landed the #20 spot for health & physical education value this year. Located in the city of Denton, Texas Womans University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for health & physical education graduates is $20,167. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Texas Womans University generally make around $43,770. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.

ADBLOCK #150
21

The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin landed the #21 spot for health & physical education value this year. Located in the city of Odessa, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,607 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Typical student debt for health & physical education graduates is $20,052. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin generally make around $60,503. That is a strong return on a $20,052 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.

22

Oklahoma Panhandle State University earned the #22 position for value in health & physical education this year. Set in the rural area of Goodwell, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,092, with out-of-state students paying around $8,675. Students borrow a median of $24,249 to complete the health & physical education program here. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Oklahoma Panhandle State University generally make around $53,151. That is a strong return on a $24,249 median debt.

23
Angelina College crest
Angelina College
Lufkin, TX

Angelina College landed the #23 spot for health & physical education value this year. Angelina College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Lufkin. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,430, with out-of-state students paying around $6,490. Typical student debt for health & physical education graduates is $7,828. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Angelina College generally make around $50,767. That is a strong return on a $7,828 median debt.

24

The University Of Texas At El Paso earned the #24 position for value in health & physical education this year. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public school located in the city of El Paso. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Health & Physical Education graduates carry a median of $21,049 in student loans. Early-career health & physical education graduates make about $23,010. Set against $21,049 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants.

25
Odessa College crest
Odessa College
Odessa, TX

Odessa College earned the #25 position for value in health & physical education this year. Odessa College is a large public school located in the city of Odessa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,688, while out-of-state students pay about $4,926. Health & Physical Education graduates carry a median of $9,087 in student loans. Early-career health & physical education graduates make about $47,856. Set against $9,087 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Health & Physical Education Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for health & physical education this year:

26
27
Rice University crest
Rice University
Houston, TX
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Rose State College crest
Rose State College
Midwest City, OK
35
36
Lamar University crest
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX
37
38
39
40
41
42
Midwestern State University crest
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX
43
44
Angelo State University crest
Angelo State University
San Angelo, TX
45
46
47
48
49
50

Narrow Health & Physical Education Schools by State

ADBLOCK #173
View All Health & Physical Education Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

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 · 153 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 68 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options