2026 Best Value Sports Studies Schools in the Southwest 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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value sports studies schools.
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2026 Best Value Sports Studies Schools in the Southwest 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
Arizona State University earned the #1 spot for value among sports studies schools in the Southwest Region. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $21,170. Sports Studies graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $41,428 early in their careers. Set against $21,170 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
A rank of #2 makes Texas Southern University one of the best values for sports studies. Texas Southern University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Houston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,637, while out-of-state students pay about $21,473. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $30,000. 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. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
Lubbock Christian University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value sports studies schools. Located in the city of Lubbock, Lubbock Christian University is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,540. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $49,072. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lubbock Christian University admits about 73% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Ottawa University Surprise one of the best values for sports studies. Located in the suburb of Surprise, Ottawa University Surprise is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,880. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the sports studies program here. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $30,426. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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.
- 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.
