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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Associate’s Degree Schools

12 Colleges in the United States
$11,884 Avg Student Debt
$42,792 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Associate's Degree Badge [Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 1489 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools

1
Moorpark College crest
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA

Moorpark College tops our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools in the United States. Located in the suburb of Moorpark, Moorpark College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,426, compared with $9,615 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $17,075. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Moorpark College generally make around $105,599. Set against $17,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

A rank of #2 makes South Texas College one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of McAllen, South Texas College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,920 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,620 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $4,500 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $22,699. That is a strong return on a $4,500 median debt.

3

Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Cuny Kingsborough Community College, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Kingsborough Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,252, compared with $8,132 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $7,858. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Cuny Kingsborough Community College generally make around $35,562. Set against $7,858 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4
Shasta College crest
Shasta College
Redding, CA

Shasta College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Shasta College is a large public school located in the suburb of Redding. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,197, while out-of-state students pay about $8,853. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $12,275. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Shasta College generally make around $50,330. That is a strong return on a $12,275 median debt.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pasadena City College earned it the #5 place for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Pasadena, Pasadena City College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,180, compared with $10,924 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $9,191 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $38,841. Set against $9,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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6

San Diego Miramar College came in at #6 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego Miramar College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $8,098 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of San Diego Miramar College earn a median of $41,038 early in their careers. Set against $8,098 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7
Skyline College crest
Skyline College
San Bruno, CA

Skyline College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Skyline College is a large public school located in the suburb of San Bruno. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,332, compared with $9,956 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $55,702 ten years out.

8
Citrus College crest
Citrus College
Glendora, CA

Citrus College placed #8 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Glendora, Citrus College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,204, while out-of-state students pay about $10,636. Median earnings reach $42,065 ten years out.

9
College Of The Canyons crest
College Of The Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA

College Of The Canyons earned the #9 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Santa Clarita, College Of The Canyons is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,166, compared with $10,958 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,776 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $51,913. That is a strong return on a $9,776 median debt.

10
Oxnard College crest
Oxnard College
Oxnard, CA

Oxnard College landed the #10 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the city of Oxnard, Oxnard College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,426, compared with $9,615 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,393 ten years after entry.

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11

Fresno City College landed the #11 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the city of Fresno, Fresno City College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,378, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,234 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Fresno City College generally make around $37,470. That is a strong return on a $7,234 median debt.

12

San Diego Mesa College landed the #12 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego Mesa College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,146, with out-of-state students paying around $10,002. Students borrow a median of $6,999 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from San Diego Mesa College generally make around $29,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

13
De Anza College crest
De Anza College
Cupertino, CA

De Anza College earned the #13 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Cupertino, De Anza College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,571 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,596. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $7,271. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,596 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,271 median debt.

14
College Of San Mateo crest
College Of San Mateo
San Mateo, CA

College Of San Mateo ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. College Of San Mateo is a large public school located in the city of San Mateo. Students from in state pay about $1,332 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,428. Students borrow a median of $12,831 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,172. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15
Cerritos College crest
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA

Cerritos College placed #15 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Norwalk, Cerritos College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, compared with $12,004 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $11,306. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Cerritos College generally make around $29,495. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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Saddleback College crest
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA

Saddleback College earned the #16 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Saddleback College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Mission Viejo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,432, while out-of-state students pay about $14,812. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $5,707 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $15,890. Set against $5,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

17

Santiago Canyon College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Orange, Santiago Canyon College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,164, compared with $9,612 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $34,100. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18

Mt San Antonio College earned the #18 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Walnut, Mt San Antonio College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,364, while out-of-state students pay about $10,464. Students borrow a median of $6,865 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $19,869. Set against $6,865 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

19

Santa Rosa Junior College earned the #19 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Junior College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,318 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,308. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $14,692 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Santa Rosa Junior College generally make around $80,047. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20
Orange Coast College crest
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA

Orange Coast College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Costa Mesa, Orange Coast College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,392 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,640. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $8,978. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Orange Coast College earn a median of $46,306 early in their careers. Set against $8,978 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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21
West Valley College crest
West Valley College
Saratoga, CA

West Valley College came in at #21 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the suburb of Saratoga, West Valley College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $0, with out-of-state students paying around $9,320. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $14,308 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from West Valley College generally make around $25,378. Set against $14,308 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

22
Golden West College crest
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA

Golden West College earned the #22 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Golden West College is a large public school located in the suburb of Huntington Beach. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,380, compared with $11,628 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Golden West College generally make around $82,984. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

23
Santa Ana College crest
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana College placed #23 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Santa Ana College is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Ana. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,180, while out-of-state students pay about $10,756. Students borrow a median of $11,196 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Santa Ana College earn a median of $39,633 early in their careers. Set against $11,196 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

24
Cypress College crest
Cypress College
Cypress, CA

Cypress College placed #24 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Cypress, Cypress College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,150, compared with $12,379 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $43,533 ten years out.

25

El Paso Community College landed the #25 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the city of El Paso, El Paso Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,274, while out-of-state students pay about $5,314. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from El Paso Community College generally make around $21,750. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year:

26
Moreno Valley College crest
Moreno Valley College
Moreno Valley, CA
27
Norco College crest
Norco College
Norco, CA
28
Santa Monica College crest
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA
29
30
Ventura College crest
Ventura College
Ventura, CA
31
Las Positas College crest
Las Positas College
Livermore, CA
32
Grossmont College crest
Grossmont College
El Cajon, CA
33
Hartnell College crest
Hartnell College
Salinas, CA
34
35
Diablo Valley College crest
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA
36
Reedley College crest
Reedley College
Reedley, CA
37
38
Chabot College crest
Chabot College
Hayward, CA
39
Gavilan College crest
Gavilan College
Gilroy, CA
40
Long Beach City College crest
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
41
42
43
44
Merced College crest
Merced College
Merced, CA
45
Butte College crest
Butte College
Oroville, CA
46
Allan Hancock College crest
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CA
47
48
Los Medanos College crest
Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, CA
49
50
Nassau Community College crest
Nassau Community College
Garden City, NY

Other Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies
Bachelor's Degrees in Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies
Master's Degrees in Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies
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View All Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Rankings >

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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 · 1489 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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