by our College Data Analytics Team
[Recreation Administration](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/recreation-administration/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 171 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for recreation administration students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the recreation administration degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Green River Community College, our #1 best value for recreation administration in the United States. Green River Community College is a large public school located in the city of Auburn. In-state tuition and fees average $4,711, while out-of-state students pay about $5,263. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,712.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Herkimer County Community College earned it the #2 place for recreation administration. Set in the town of Herkimer, Herkimer County Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,776 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for recreation administration graduates is $16,400. Recreation Administration graduates of Herkimer County Community College earn a median of $31,468 early in their careers. Set against $16,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in recreation administration will find it at Professional Golfers Career College, which ranked #3. Professional Golfers Career College is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Temecula. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,840. Recreation Administration graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Recreation Administration graduates of Professional Golfers Career College earn a median of $30,064 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #4 makes Keiser University Ft Lauderdale one of the best values for recreation administration. Located in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Keiser University Ft Lauderdale is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,056. Recreation Administration graduates carry a median of $16,625 in student loans. Recreation Administration graduates of Keiser University Ft Lauderdale earn a median of $29,471 early in their careers. Set against $16,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Keiser University Ft Lauderdale admits about 97% of applicants.
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Explore the best-value recreation administration schools at other degree levels:
This list is compiled 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 · 171 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.