2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Texas
[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 95 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Texas
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
South Texas College tops our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools in Texas. Set in the city of McAllen, South Texas College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,920 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $4,500 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of South Texas College earn a median of $22,699 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes El Paso Community College one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of El Paso, El Paso Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,274, compared with $5,314 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $21,750. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.
Texas A And M International University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Texas A And M International University is a large public school located in the city of Laredo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,894, while out-of-state students pay about $19,454. Students borrow a median of $19,327 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Texas A And M International University earn a median of $24,867 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 44%.
A rank of #4 makes The University Of Texas Pan American one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Students borrow a median of $15,110 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from The University Of Texas Pan American generally make around $44,258. Set against $15,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Western Texas College one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the town of Snyder, Western Texas College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $6,150. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $8,691 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $68,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Austin Community College District landed the #6 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Austin Community College District is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. In-state tuition and fees average $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $14,625. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Austin Community College District earn a median of $44,895 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,625 median debt.
Central Texas College came in at #7 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Central Texas College is a large public school located in the suburb of Killeen. In-state tuition and fees average $3,750, with out-of-state students paying around $7,500. Students borrow a median of $11,290 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Central Texas College generally make around $53,086. Set against $11,290 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Grayson College placed #8 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the rural area of Denison, Grayson College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,000, while out-of-state students pay about $6,300. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $11,627. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Grayson College earn a median of $42,487 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,627 median debt.
Lee College landed the #9 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Lee College is a large public school located in the city of Baytown. Students from in state pay about $2,520 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $10,941. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Lee College earn a median of $53,448 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Paris Junior College landed the #10 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the town of Paris, Paris Junior College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,700 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,700 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $8,846. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Paris Junior College generally make around $38,811. That is a strong return on a $8,846 median debt.
University Of Houston Victoria earned the #11 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. University Of Houston Victoria is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Victoria. Students from in state pay about $7,149 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,941 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $24,081. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Houston Victoria generally make around $47,345. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Texas Womans University landed the #12 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the city of Denton, Texas Womans University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, 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. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Texas Womans University earn a median of $43,770 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin came in at #13 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Odessa, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,607, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $20,052. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $60,503. That is a strong return on a $20,052 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.
Rice University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Houston, Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $10,000 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Rice University earn a median of $51,110 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rice University admits about 8% of applicants.
Angelina College came in at #15 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Angelina College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Lufkin. In-state tuition and fees average $3,430, compared with $6,490 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $7,828. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $50,767. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #16 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Students borrow a median of $21,049 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $23,010. That is a strong return on a $21,049 median debt. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants.
Odessa College placed #17 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Odessa, Odessa College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,688, while out-of-state students pay about $4,926. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $9,087. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Odessa College earn a median of $47,856 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Houston, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,346, compared with $22,290 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $18,750. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $35,107. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Texas At San Antonio placed #19 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,326, while out-of-state students pay about $22,249. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of The University Of Texas At San Antonio earn a median of $36,293 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Texas A And M University Commerce ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the town of Commerce, Texas A And M University Commerce is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,026, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. Students borrow a median of $23,007 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Texas A And M University Commerce earn a median of $45,653 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,007 median debt. Texas A And M University Commerce admits about 92% of applicants.
Texas A And M University Kingsville placed #21 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the town of Kingsville, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,957. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $32,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Sul Ross State University landed the #22 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the town of Alpine, Sul Ross State University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,592, while out-of-state students pay about $17,672. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,670 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $49,891. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sul Ross State University admits about 99% of applicants.
Lamar University came in at #23 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Lamar University is a very large public school located in the city of Beaumont. Students from in state pay about $8,905 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Lamar University generally make around $31,935. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Texas A And M University Texarkana landed the #24 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the city of Texarkana, Texas A And M University Texarkana is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,349, compared with $24,680 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,270. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Texas A And M University Texarkana earn a median of $44,862 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,270 median debt. Texas A And M University Texarkana admits about 64% of applicants.
University Of Houston ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. University Of Houston is a very large public school located in the city of Houston. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $22,298 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Houston generally make around $35,968. That is a strong return on a $22,298 median debt. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies:
More Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Rankings
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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 · 95 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 44 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.
