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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Sports Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools

20 Colleges in the United States
$26,398 Avg Student Debt
$55,713 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Sports Studies Bachelor's Degree Badge [Sports Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/sports-studies/) 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.

College Factual analyzed 63 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value sports studies schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Sports Studies Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in sports studies, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Sports Studies Schools

1

Arizona State University tops our 2026 list of the best value sports studies schools in the United States. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,170 to complete the sports studies program here. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $32,651. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

2
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value sports studies schools. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $24,593. Sports Studies graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $25,858 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.

3

A rank of #3 makes Ball State University one of the best values for sports studies. Located in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $25,962. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $35,500. That is a strong return on a $25,962 median debt. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants.

4

A rank of #4 makes Adams State College one of the best values for sports studies. Adams State College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Alamosa. In-state tuition and fees average $9,824, compared with $21,944 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,451 to complete the sports studies program here. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Adams State College generally make around $30,045. Set against $21,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5
Young Harris College crest
Young Harris College
Young Harris, GA

Young Harris College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sports studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the rural area of Young Harris, Young Harris College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,305. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $24,689. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,195 ten years after entry. Set against $24,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%.

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6

East Carolina University landed the #6 spot for sports studies value this year. Set in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the sports studies program here. Sports Studies graduates of East Carolina University earn a median of $29,797 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants.

7

University Of Massachusetts Boston placed #7 among the best values for sports studies. Set in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,898 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,115. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $26,808 in student loans. Sports Studies graduates of University Of Massachusetts Boston earn a median of $37,703 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

8

Cumberland University earned the #8 position for value in sports studies this year. Cumberland University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Lebanon. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,840. Students borrow a median of $21,902 to complete the sports studies program here. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Cumberland University generally make around $47,696. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%.

9

Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value sports studies schools. Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public school located in the city of Mankato. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $24,420 to complete the sports studies program here. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Minnesota State University Mankato generally make around $32,860. That is a strong return on a $24,420 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

10

University Of Northern Colorado earned the #10 position for value in sports studies this year. University Of Northern Colorado is a large public school located in the city of Greeley. In-state tuition and fees average $11,901, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $45,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Northern Colorado admits about 86% of applicants.

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Concordia University Saint Paul earned the #11 position for value in sports studies this year. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Concordia University Saint Paul is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,600. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $29,156 in student loans. Sports Studies graduates of Concordia University Saint Paul earn a median of $33,744 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $29,156 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

12
University Of Mary crest
University Of Mary
Bismarck, ND

University Of Mary earned the #12 position for value in sports studies this year. Set in the rural area of Bismarck, University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,356. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from University Of Mary generally make around $65,565. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Mary admits about 75% of applicants.

13
Randolph College crest
Randolph College
Lynchburg, VA

Randolph College earned the #13 position for value in sports studies this year. Randolph College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lynchburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,310. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete the sports studies program here. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Randolph College generally make around $43,197. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

14

Western Michigan University landed the #14 spot for sports studies value this year. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $48,966. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.

15

Suny College At Cortland placed #15 among the best values for sports studies. Located in the town of Cortland, Suny College At Cortland is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,874 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,784. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $25,681 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Suny College At Cortland generally make around $28,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College At Cortland admits about 60% of applicants.

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16

Vermont Technical College placed #16 among the best values for sports studies. Located in the rural area of Randolph, Vermont Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,952, compared with $22,296 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,208 to complete the sports studies program here. Sports Studies graduates of Vermont Technical College earn a median of $37,493 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,208 median debt. Vermont Technical College admits about 82% of applicants.

17
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa landed the #17 spot for sports studies value this year. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete the sports studies program here. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $31,998. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

18

Saint Thomas Aquinas College placed #18 among the best values for sports studies. Located in the suburb of Sparkill, Saint Thomas Aquinas College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $39,450. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $24,700. Sports Studies graduates of Saint Thomas Aquinas College earn a median of $44,519 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,700 median debt. Saint Thomas Aquinas College admits about 93% of applicants.

19

Bethel College Mishawaka landed the #19 spot for sports studies value this year. Located in the city of Mishawaka, Bethel College Mishawaka is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,600. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Bethel College Mishawaka generally make around $26,799. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

20

Texas Southern University earned the #20 position for value in sports studies this year. Set in the city of Houston, Texas Southern University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,637, with out-of-state students paying around $21,473. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $30,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Texas Southern University generally make around $32,409. Set against $30,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.

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21
Post University crest
Post University
Waterbury, CT

Post University landed the #21 spot for sports studies value this year. Post University is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Waterbury. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,922. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $31,250 in student loans. Sports Studies graduates of Post University earn a median of $50,494 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,250 median debt.

22

Saint Ambrose University placed #22 among the best values for sports studies. Saint Ambrose University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Davenport. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,658. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Saint Ambrose University generally make around $57,252. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.

23

Upper Iowa University placed #23 among the best values for sports studies. Upper Iowa University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Fayette. Students from in state pay about $19,475 in tuition and fees. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $25,641 in student loans. Sports Studies graduates of Upper Iowa University earn a median of $35,361 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Upper Iowa University admits about 96% of applicants.

24
Lake Erie College crest
Lake Erie College
Painesville, OH

Lake Erie College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value sports studies schools. Set in the suburb of Painesville, Lake Erie College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,634. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $28,250 in student loans. Sports Studies graduates of Lake Erie College earn a median of $65,474 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%.

25

Barry University came in at #25 for value in sports studies this year. Barry University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Miami. Students from in state pay about $34,350 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $31,180 to complete the sports studies program here. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Barry University generally make around $64,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.

Rest of the Top 45 Best Value Sports Studies Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for sports studies this year:

26
27
University Of Saint Mary crest
University Of Saint Mary
Leavenworth, KS
28
Tiffin University crest
Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH
29
Mcpherson College crest
Mcpherson College
McPherson, KS
30
31
Methodist University crest
Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC
32
33
34
Southwestern College crest
Southwestern College
Winfield, KS
35
Springfield College crest
Springfield College
Springfield, MA
36
John Carroll University crest
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH
37
38
Temple University crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
39
Shenandoah University crest
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA
40
Immaculata University crest
Immaculata University
Immaculata, PA
41
42
National University crest
National University
San Diego, CA
43
44
Denison University crest
Denison University
Granville, OH
45

Other Sports Studies Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Sports Studies rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Sports Studies
Associate's Degrees in Sports Studies
Master's Degrees in Sports Studies
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View All Sports Studies Rankings >

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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 · 63 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 20 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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