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2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
Leading the list is University Of Florida, our #1 best value for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies in the United States. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $19,707. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $49,981 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%.
A rank of #2 makes California State University Fresno one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. California State University Fresno is a very large public school located in the city of Fresno. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Students borrow a median of $14,307 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $27,196. That is a strong return on a $14,307 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at The University Of Texas Pan American, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $15,110. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from The University Of Texas Pan American generally make around $60,785. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.
California State University Fullerton came in at #4 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $14,481 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $33,141. That is a strong return on a $14,481 median debt. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, which ranked #5. Set in the town of Durant, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,200, compared with $16,410 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,660 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Southeastern Oklahoma State University generally make around $53,961. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southeastern Oklahoma State University admits about 76% of applicants.
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California State University Long Beach earned the #6 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $14,550 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from California State University Long Beach generally make around $49,330. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants.
California State University Northridge landed the #7 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the city of Northridge, California State University Northridge is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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 $44,961. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
Northern Kentucky University placed #8 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,088, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Northern Kentucky University earn a median of $42,725 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%.
Florida Atlantic University came in at #9 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Florida Atlantic University is a very large public school located in the city of Boca Raton. Students from in state pay about $4,879 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $20,659 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $50,952. Set against $20,659 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants.
The University Of West Florida earned the #10 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,776 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,658. Students borrow a median of $22,188 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. 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.
Florida International University landed the #11 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $39,858. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%.
University Of Central Florida earned the #12 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Students borrow a median of $21,620 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Central Florida earn a median of $46,398 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,620 median debt. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants.
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #13 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Tampa. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $34,249. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants.
Florida State University earned the #14 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Florida State University generally make around $39,740. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%.
American Public University System came in at #15 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Charles Town, American Public University System is a very large private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $19,312. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of American Public University System earn a median of $59,601 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin came in at #16 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Odessa, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,607, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,052 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin earn a median of $60,503 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%.
Texas Womans University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Denton, Texas Womans University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Students borrow a median of $20,167 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Texas Womans University generally make around $55,110. That is a strong return on a $20,167 median debt. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned the #18 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $16,575 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $47,637. Set against $16,575 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #19 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $16,750. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $28,874. Set against $16,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin Parkside earned the #20 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the rural area of Kenosha, University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,270, compared with $17,429 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,349. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Wisconsin Parkside earn a median of $30,655 early in their careers. Set against $25,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Parkside admits about 75% of applicants.
University Of Nevada Las Vegas landed the #21 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public school located in the city of Las Vegas. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Students borrow a median of $21,102 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $29,123. That is a strong return on a $21,102 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earned the #22 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $25,027 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earn a median of $42,405 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,027 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants.
San Jose State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants.
Southern Utah University came in at #24 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Southern Utah University is a very large public school located in the town of Cedar City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,962, with out-of-state students paying around $21,192. Students borrow a median of $14,352 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Southern Utah University generally make around $30,092. That is a strong return on a $14,352 median debt. Southern Utah University admits about 82% of applicants.
University Of North Georgia came in at #25 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Dahlonega, University Of North Georgia is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, compared with $16,956 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $20,500. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of North Georgia earn a median of $47,942 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value ranking:
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:
[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
