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2026 Best Value Sports Studies Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

[Sports Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/sports-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 2 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for sports studies students.

What’s on this page:

• Best Value Sports Studies Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

2026 Best Value Sports Studies Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the sports studies degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Sports Studies Schools

1

Adams State College
Alamosa, CO

$9,824 In-State Tuition & Fees

$21,451 Avg Student Debt

$44,372 Median Earnings (10yr)

Our analysis ranked Adams State College the best value for a degree in sports studies in the Rocky Mountains Region. Located in the town of Alamosa, Adams State College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,824 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,944. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $21,451. Sports Studies graduates of Adams State College earn a median of $30,045 early in their careers. Set against $21,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

University Of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO

$11,901 In-State Tuition & Fees

$24,500 Avg Student Debt

$52,231 Median Earnings (10yr)

University Of Northern Colorado is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sports studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Greeley, University Of Northern Colorado is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,901, compared with $26,979 for out-of-state students. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from University Of Northern Colorado generally make around $45,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

View All Sports Studies Rankings >

Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 2 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 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.