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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Pennsylvania

14 Colleges in the United States
$25,888 Avg Student Debt
$58,092 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Badge [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.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 73 schools to find the best return on investment for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Pennsylvania

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

1

Bucks County Community College earned the #1 spot for value among parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools in Pennsylvania. Set in the rural area of Newtown, Bucks County Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,646 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,926. Students borrow a median of $13,068 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $37,711. Set against $13,068 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

A rank of #2 makes Montgomery County Community College one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Blue Bell, Montgomery County Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,690, with out-of-state students paying around $17,250. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $15,219 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Montgomery County Community College earn a median of $39,025 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,219 median debt.

3

A rank of #3 makes Lehigh Carbon Community College one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the rural area of Schnecksville, Lehigh Carbon Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,280, with out-of-state students paying around $13,270. Students borrow a median of $14,450 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Lehigh Carbon Community College earn a median of $39,957 early in their careers. Set against $14,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Bloomsburg, Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,046, with out-of-state students paying around $22,870. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,416. Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania admits about 93% of applicants.

5

Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Pennsylvania Western University, which ranked #5. Set in the town of California, Pennsylvania Western University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,436, compared with $16,054 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $47,295 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 94%.

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6

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #6 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of East Stroudsburg. In-state tuition and fees average $11,236, compared with $19,202 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,242 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $33,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

7

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus came in at #7 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Indiana, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,380 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $37,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

8

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #8 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,800. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $36,053. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

9

York College Pennsylvania came in at #9 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of York, York College Pennsylvania is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of York College Pennsylvania earn a median of $35,739 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.

10

Pennsylvania State University World Campus placed #10 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,356. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 91%.

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11

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania placed #11 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Millersville. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,486 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Millersville University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $43,441. That is a strong return on a $26,486 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

12

University Of Pittsburgh Bradford earned the #12 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Bradford, University Of Pittsburgh Bradford is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,770, while out-of-state students pay about $26,644. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,000. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $24,916. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

13
Westminster College Pa crest
Westminster College Pa
New Wilmington, PA

Westminster College Pa ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Westminster College Pa is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of New Wilmington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,290. Students borrow a median of $26,528 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Westminster College Pa earn a median of $41,105 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,528 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

14

Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #14 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the town of Kutztown, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,000. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $36,363. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

15

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the suburb of West Chester, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

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16
Seton Hill University crest
Seton Hill University
Greensburg, PA

Seton Hill University placed #16 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Seton Hill University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Greensburg. Students from in state pay about $42,944 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Seton Hill University earn a median of $32,975 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

17
Kings College crest
Kings College
Wilkes-Barre, PA

Kings College placed #17 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Wilkes-Barre, Kings College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $44,100 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,980. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Kings College generally make around $45,414. Set against $26,980 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kings College admits about 93% of applicants.

18
Thiel College crest
Thiel College
Greenville, PA

Thiel College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the town of Greenville, Thiel College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,344 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Thiel College generally make around $36,966. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Thiel College admits about 72% of applicants.

19
Keystone College crest
Keystone College
La Plume, PA

Keystone College placed #19 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Keystone College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of La Plume. In-state tuition and fees average $18,300. Students borrow a median of $26,981 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Keystone College generally make around $21,026. Set against $26,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%.

20

Gannon University earned the #20 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Gannon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Erie. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,656. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,390. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Gannon University earn a median of $73,658 early in their careers. Set against $26,390 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.

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21

Lancaster Bible College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the suburb of Lancaster, Lancaster Bible College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $29,990 in tuition and fees. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $28,507 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Lancaster Bible College generally make around $35,130. That is a strong return on a $28,507 median debt. Lancaster Bible College admits about 56% of applicants.

22

Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the suburb of Middletown, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,972, compared with $26,958 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. The acceptance rate is 98%.

23

Pennsylvania State University Penn State Berks placed #23 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Reading, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Berks is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,972 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,958. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

24

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #24 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the town of Shippensburg, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $13,570 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $30,616. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

25
Chatham University crest
Chatham University
Pittsburgh, PA

Chatham University landed the #25 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Chatham University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,001. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,453. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $61,339. Set against $26,453 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 38 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies:

26
Arcadia University crest
Arcadia University
Glenside, PA
27
Eastern University crest
Eastern University
Saint Davids, PA
28
29
30
31
Temple University crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
32
33
Immaculata University crest
Immaculata University
Immaculata, PA
34
35
Desales University crest
Desales University
Center Valley, PA
36
37
38
Drexel University crest
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 73 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 14 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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