2027 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/) 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.
College Factual analyzed 27 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools.
What’s on this page:
2027 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
Leading the list is Cuny Lehman College, our #1 best value for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy in the United States. Cuny Lehman College is a large public school located in the city of Bronx. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,410, with out-of-state students paying around $15,360. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $7,404 in student loans. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Cuny Lehman College generally make around $36,811. That is a strong return on a $7,404 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Idaho earned it the #2 place for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. Located in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $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. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy will find it at Kean University, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Union, Kean University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,299 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,703 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $71,277. Set against $26,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kean University admits about 76% of applicants.
Western Carolina University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Located in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $24,000. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Western Carolina University generally make around $37,608. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University earned it the #5 place for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $21,842. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $44,359 early in their careers. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
University Of Utah landed the #6 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy value this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants.
Winston Salem State University landed the #7 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy value this year. Set in the city of Winston-Salem, Winston Salem State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,126, with out-of-state students paying around $16,782. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $31,421. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #8 among the best values for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public school located in the city of Milwaukee. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $26,500. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee generally make around $30,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse landed the #9 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy value this year. Located in the city of La Crosse, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,374 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of University Of Wisconsin La Crosse earn a median of $41,370 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.
East Carolina University came in at #10 for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. East Carolina University is a very large public school located in the city of Greenville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. 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. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Eastern Michigan University earned the #11 position for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Set in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Students borrow a median of $27,425 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Eastern Michigan University earn a median of $33,926 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
Grand Valley State University earned the #12 position for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Grand Valley State University is a very large public school located in the town of Allendale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Grand Valley State University earn a median of $43,631 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%.
University Of Toledo landed the #13 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy value this year. University Of Toledo is a large public school located in the city of Toledo. 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. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from University Of Toledo generally make around $37,554. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Central Michigan University came in at #14 for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. Set in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Central Michigan University generally make around $39,008. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
University Of South Alabama placed #15 among the best values for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $19,092. Students borrow a median of $26,513 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $73,705. That is a strong return on a $26,513 median debt. University Of South Alabama admits about 71% of applicants.
Aurora University placed #16 among the best values for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. Aurora University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Aurora. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,170. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $23,750. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $41,856. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Longwood University landed the #17 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy value this year. Set in the town of Farmville, Longwood University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,740, compared with $27,980 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,808 to complete the therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy program here. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from Longwood University generally make around $41,700. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #18 among the best values for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. 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. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants.
Lindenwood University placed #19 among the best values for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy. Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Charles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $48,197. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.
Virginia Wesleyan College ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Located in the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia Wesleyan College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $37,500 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $27,925. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Virginia Wesleyan College earn a median of $45,517 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%.
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington landed the #21 spot for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy value this year. Set in the city of Wilmington, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,277, with out-of-state students paying around $24,152. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $21,500. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Wilmington generally make around $39,366. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
Southern University And A And M College ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Located in the city of Baton Rouge, Southern University And A And M College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,922, compared with $17,272 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $38,000. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Southern University And A And M College earn a median of $30,636 early in their careers. Set against $38,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 35%.
University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #23 on our 2027 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public school located in the city of Hattiesburg. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Soon after graduation, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy degree recipients from University Of Southern Mississippi generally make around $52,338. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Iowa came in at #24 for value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy this year. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. Early-career therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates make about $71,754. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Temple University ranked #25 on our 2027 list of the best value therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy schools. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy graduates is $27,000. Therapeutic Recreation/recreational Therapy graduates of Temple University earn a median of $40,085 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 27 Best Value Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy:
Other Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Degree Levels
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy rankings across degree levels:
View All Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 27 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 27 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.
