2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in the Southeast Region
[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 332 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 Southeast 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
Leading the list is University Of Florida, our #1 best value for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies in the Southeast Region. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. 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 $44,798 early in their careers. Set against $19,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Florida Online one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida Online is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,876 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,579. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $19,982. 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. The acceptance rate is 61%.
Florida Atlantic University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Florida Atlantic University is a very large public school located in the city of Boca Raton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,879, 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 $40,682. That is a strong return on a $20,659 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
Northern Kentucky University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Northern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the suburb of Highland Heights. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $23,500. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $42,725. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%.
A rank of #5 makes Berea College one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the town of Berea, Berea College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $51,658 in tuition and fees. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $5,801 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $31,428. That is a strong return on a $5,801 median debt. Roughly 19% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Central Florida ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $21,620 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Central Florida earn a median of $46,398 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%.
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $21,829. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of South Florida Main Campus earn a median of $34,249 early in their careers. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%.
The University Of West Florida earned the #8 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,776, with out-of-state students paying around $18,658. 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. That is a strong return on a $22,188 median debt. The University Of West Florida admits about 58% of applicants.
Northwest Florida State College placed #9 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the suburb of Niceville, Northwest Florida State College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,583 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,612. Students borrow a median of $11,566 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Northwest Florida State College earn a median of $48,463 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Florida State University earned the #10 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $18,750. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Florida State University earn a median of $34,630 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants.
Florida International University came in at #11 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $19,000. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $34,860. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants.
Gaston College came in at #12 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Dallas, Gaston College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,186, while out-of-state students pay about $9,330. Students borrow a median of $10,915 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Gaston College generally make around $39,937. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Holmes Community College landed the #13 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the rural area of Goodman, Holmes Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,710, with out-of-state students paying around $6,610. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $13,191 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Holmes Community College generally make around $32,145. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of North Florida earned the #14 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,964, compared with $19,407 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of North Florida earn a median of $33,364 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted.
South Georgia Technical College landed the #15 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. South Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Americus. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,992, with out-of-state students paying around $7,202. Students borrow a median of $10,423 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of South Georgia Technical College earn a median of $40,497 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Wake Technical Community College placed #16 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Raleigh, Wake Technical Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,254, with out-of-state students paying around $6,862. Students borrow a median of $17,900 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Wake Technical Community College generally make around $38,673. Set against $17,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Marshall University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,162, compared with $20,342 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $24,000. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $20,682. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
American Public University System landed the #18 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the town of Charles Town, American Public University System is a very large private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. Students borrow a median of $19,312 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $55,491. That is a strong return on a $19,312 median debt.
University Of North Georgia earned the #19 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Dahlonega, University Of North Georgia is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of North Georgia earn a median of $42,341 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Florida Gulf Coast University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Florida Gulf Coast University is a large public school located in the suburb of Fort Myers. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,118, with out-of-state students paying around $25,162. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Florida Gulf Coast University earn a median of $36,002 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned the #21 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $16,575 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $39,401 early in their careers. Set against $16,575 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted.
Fairmont State University earned the #22 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Fairmont, Fairmont State University is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,708, while out-of-state students pay about $18,924. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $22,000. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Fairmont State University generally make around $30,833. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Northwest Mississippi Community College landed the #23 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the town of Senatobia, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,740. Students borrow a median of $9,990 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $35,001. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The University Of Tennessee Martin earned the #24 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Martin, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,560 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,600. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $23,938 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $30,587. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earned the #25 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $25,027 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Greensboro generally make around $47,924. Set against $25,027 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% 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:
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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 · 332 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 156 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.
