2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
[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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 216 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
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
Cuny Kingsborough Community College earned the #1 spot for value among parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. Cuny Kingsborough Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Brooklyn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,252, compared with $8,132 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $7,858. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $35,562. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Cuny Brooklyn College, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,452 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,402. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $13,629. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Cuny Brooklyn College earn a median of $50,584 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,629 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Cuny Lehman College, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,360 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $10,861. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $29,605. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.
Cuny Queens College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,538, with out-of-state students paying around $15,488. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $5,500. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Cuny Queens College generally make around $16,236. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Cuny Queens College admits about 64% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Suffolk County Community College earned it the #5 place for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the suburb of Selden, Suffolk County Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,630, compared with $12,460 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,246 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $35,667. That is a strong return on a $11,246 median debt.
Middlesex County College earned the #6 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Edison, Middlesex County College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,764 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,356. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $9,514 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Middlesex County College earn a median of $37,975 early in their careers. Set against $9,514 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Farmingdale State College landed the #7 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Farmingdale, Farmingdale State College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,626, while out-of-state students pay about $18,536. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Farmingdale State College generally make around $29,717. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Farmingdale State College admits about 63% of applicants.
Nassau Community College landed the #8 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Nassau Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Garden City. In-state tuition and fees average $6,330, while out-of-state students pay about $12,130. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $11,850 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Nassau Community College earn a median of $38,734 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,850 median debt.
Raritan Valley Community College came in at #9 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the rural area of Branchburg, Raritan Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,664 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,584 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $9,668 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Raritan Valley Community College generally make around $47,248. Set against $9,668 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Hudson Valley Community College placed #10 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Troy, Hudson Valley Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,796, while out-of-state students pay about $11,852. Students borrow a median of $12,868 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Hudson Valley Community College earn a median of $43,989 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,868 median debt.
Cuny Bronx Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Bronx, Cuny Bronx Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,206, with out-of-state students paying around $8,086. Students borrow a median of $8,224 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Cuny Bronx Community College generally make around $35,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Mercer County Community College earned the #12 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the rural area of West Windsor, Mercer County Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,310, compared with $9,174 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $12,250 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $45,389. Set against $12,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Union County College earned the #13 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the suburb of Cranford, Union County College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,280, with out-of-state students paying around $9,500. Students borrow a median of $14,218 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Union County College earn a median of $38,168 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,218 median debt.
The Community College Of Baltimore County placed #14 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Baltimore, The Community College Of Baltimore County is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,110, while out-of-state students pay about $10,182. Students borrow a median of $18,038 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from The Community College Of Baltimore County generally make around $52,440. Set against $18,038 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Burlington County College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the suburb of Mount Laurel, Burlington County College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,990, compared with $9,495 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $12,488 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Burlington County College generally make around $52,240. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Onondaga Community College earned the #16 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Syracuse, Onondaga Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,102, while out-of-state students pay about $11,392. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $12,623. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Onondaga Community College earn a median of $35,781 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,623 median debt.
Erie Community College placed #17 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Erie Community College is a large public school located in the city of Buffalo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,100, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $12,580 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $37,069. Set against $12,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
County College Of Morris ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. County College Of Morris is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Randolph. Students from in state pay about $6,210 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,310. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $7,000. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $30,966. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Hudson County Community College earned the #19 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Jersey City, Hudson County Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,384, compared with $9,248 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,671 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Hudson County Community College generally make around $35,909. That is a strong return on a $10,671 median debt.
Bucks County Community College landed the #20 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the rural area of Newtown, Bucks County Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,646, with out-of-state students paying around $13,926. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $13,068 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Bucks County Community College earn a median of $37,711 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,068 median debt.
Hagerstown Community College earned the #21 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Hagerstown, Hagerstown Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,320, compared with $8,190 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $15,126 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Hagerstown Community College earn a median of $46,478 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Monroe Community College earned the #22 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Monroe Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Rochester. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,006, compared with $11,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,921 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $38,757. That is a strong return on a $12,921 median debt.
Sussex County Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Sussex County Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Newton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,544, while out-of-state students pay about $9,024. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $10,750. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $27,179. That is a strong return on a $10,750 median debt.
Niagara County Community College placed #24 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the rural area of Sanborn, Niagara County Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,894, while out-of-state students pay about $12,030. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $13,970 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Niagara County Community College earn a median of $36,258 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Suny Westchester Community College placed #25 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Valhalla, Suny Westchester Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,948, compared with $12,486 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $8,764 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Suny Westchester Community College generally make around $57,520. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
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:
Narrow Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools by State
More Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Rankings
View All Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Rankings >
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 · 216 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 46 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.
