[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 1489 schools to find the best return on investment for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students.
University Of Florida tops our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools in the United States. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $19,707 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $39,854. That is a strong return on a $19,707 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Cuny Brooklyn College, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,452, compared with $15,402 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $13,629 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $25,101. That is a strong return on a $13,629 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Los Angeles is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Students borrow a median of $13,750 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of California State University Los Angeles earn a median of $28,687 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
University Of Florida Online is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #4 spot this year. University Of Florida Online is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Gainesville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,876, compared with $16,579 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $19,982 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Florida Online earn a median of $39,717 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,982 median debt. University Of Florida Online admits about 61% of applicants.
California State University Fullerton came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. California State University Fullerton is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fullerton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $14,481. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $23,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
California State University San Bernardino placed #6 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. California State University San Bernardino is a very large public school located in the city of San Bernardino. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,088, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $29,143. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.
California State University Dominguez Hills ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,454, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $17,318. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of California State University Dominguez Hills earn a median of $25,349 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
California State University Fresno ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $14,307 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from California State University Fresno generally make around $26,948. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Stanislaus earned the #9 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Turlock, California State University Stanislaus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,242, with out-of-state students paying around $20,842. Students borrow a median of $17,085 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of California State University Stanislaus earn a median of $25,414 early in their careers. Set against $17,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Stanislaus admits about 98% of applicants.
Cuny Lehman College placed #10 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,410, while out-of-state students pay about $15,360. Students borrow a median of $10,861 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $29,605. That is a strong return on a $10,861 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.
Cuny Queens College came in at #11 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,538 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. 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 $16,236. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
Texas A And M International University earned the #12 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Laredo, Texas A And M International University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,894, while out-of-state students pay about $19,454. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $19,327 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Texas A And M International University earn a median of $24,867 early in their careers. Set against $19,327 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M International University admits about 44% of applicants.
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #13 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $15,110. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $27,731. Set against $15,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants.
California State University Bakersfield earned the #14 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Bakersfield, California State University Bakersfield is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,087 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,687 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $59,009 ten years out. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Berea College came in at #15 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Berea, Berea College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,658 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $5,801 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $31,428. That is a strong return on a $5,801 median debt. Berea College admits about 19% of applicants.
California State University Northridge placed #16 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from California State University Northridge generally make around $27,952. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University landed the #17 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the town of Durant, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,200, while out-of-state students pay about $16,410. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $18,660 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Southeastern Oklahoma State University generally make around $53,961. Set against $18,660 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Farmingdale State College placed #18 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the suburb of Farmingdale, Farmingdale State College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,626 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,536. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $18,500. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $29,717. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%.
California State University Long Beach earned the #19 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $14,550. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $22,196 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,550 median debt. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants.
Florida Atlantic University earned the #20 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $20,659. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $30,412. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
Utah Valley University earned the #21 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,252 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Utah Valley University earn a median of $31,905 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,252 median debt.
New Mexico State University Main Campus placed #22 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of New Mexico State University Main Campus earn a median of $23,701 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Indiana University Kokomo earned the #23 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Indiana University Kokomo is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Kokomo. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $24,619 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $46,902. That is a strong return on a $24,619 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
California State University Sacramento earned the #24 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $18,180 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from California State University Sacramento generally make around $31,946. Set against $18,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants.
The University Of West Florida earned the #25 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,776, compared with $18,658 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $22,188. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from The University Of West Florida generally make around $28,643. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
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:
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 · 1489 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 502 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).
[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies education at a price that pays off.
