2026 Best Value Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Bachelor’s Degree Schools
[Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy](/majors/health-care-professions/rehab-and-therapeutic-professions/therapeutic-recreation-recreational-therapy/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 67 schools to find the best return on investment for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Schools
Cuny Lehman College earned the #1 spot for value among therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools in the United States. Located in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,410, with out-of-state students paying around $15,360. Students borrow a median of $7,404 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $36,811. That is a strong return on a $7,404 median debt. Cuny Lehman College admits about 57% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes Brigham Young University Idaho one of the best values for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the town of Rexburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $13,287. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Brigham Young University Idaho earn a median of $43,853 early in their careers. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Kean University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy, landing the #3 spot this year. Kean University is a large public school located in the suburb of Union. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,299, while out-of-state students pay about $22,446. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $26,703 in student loans. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Kean University generally make around $71,277. That is a strong return on a $26,703 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Students looking for strong value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy will find it at University Of Utah, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $20,798. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $43,684. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants.
Western Carolina University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $37,608. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants.
Arizona State University earned the #6 position for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $44,359. That is a strong return on a $21,842 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #7 among the best values for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. Located in the city of Hattiesburg, University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $52,338. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Mississippi admits about 99% of applicants.
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse placed #8 among the best values for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public school located in the city of La Crosse. In-state tuition and fees average $10,070, with out-of-state students paying around $19,517. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $21,374. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin La Crosse generally make around $41,370. Set against $21,374 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Winston Salem State University earned the #9 position for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Located in the city of Winston-Salem, Winston Salem State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,126, compared with $16,782 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Winston Salem State University earn a median of $31,421 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
University Of South Alabama landed the #10 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy value this year. University Of South Alabama is a large public school located in the city of Mobile. Students from in state pay about $10,116 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,092. Students borrow a median of $26,513 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of University Of South Alabama earn a median of $73,705 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,513 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.
Central Michigan University earned the #11 position for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Central Michigan University is a large public school located in the town of Mount Pleasant. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Central Michigan University earn a median of $39,008 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #12 for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public school located in the city of Milwaukee. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $26,500. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $30,561. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
East Carolina University came in at #13 for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. East Carolina University is a very large public school located in the city of Greenville. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from East Carolina University generally make around $32,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Grand Valley State University placed #14 among the best values for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. Grand Valley State University is a very large public school located in the town of Allendale. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $27,000. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $43,631. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants.
Eastern Michigan University placed #15 among the best values for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. Set in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $27,425 in student loans. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $33,926. That is a strong return on a $27,425 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Toledo ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Located in the city of Toledo, University Of Toledo is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,157, with out-of-state students paying around $21,517. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $24,875. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $37,554. That is a strong return on a $24,875 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earned the #17 position for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Located in the city of Wilmington, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,277, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earn a median of $39,366 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
Aurora University earned the #18 position for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Aurora University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Aurora. Students from in state pay about $29,170 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $23,750. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Aurora University generally make around $41,856. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Aurora University admits about 81% of applicants.
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #19 for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. 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. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $41,797 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Southern University And A And M College came in at #20 for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Located in the city of Baton Rouge, Southern University And A And M College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,922 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,272. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $38,000. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $30,636. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 35% of applicants are accepted.
Longwood University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Longwood University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Farmville. Students from in state pay about $15,740 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,980 for out-of-state students. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $26,808 in student loans. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Longwood University earn a median of $41,700 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,808 median debt. Longwood University admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of Iowa earned the #22 position for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $71,754. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Springfield College placed #23 among the best values for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. Set in the city of Springfield, Springfield College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,974 in tuition and fees. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $49,880. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Temple University earned the #24 position for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Temple University is a very large public school located in the city of Philadelphia. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Temple University earn a median of $40,085 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
Ithaca College came in at #25 for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Located in the suburb of Ithaca, Ithaca College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $52,616. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $25,959. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Ithaca College earn a median of $7,071 early in their careers. Set against $25,959 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.
Other Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Degree Levels
Explore the best-value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools at other degree levels:
View All Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Rankings >
Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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 · 67 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 21 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.
