2027 Best Value Physical Education Schools in Massachusetts
[Physical Education](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/physical-education/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for physical education students.
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2027 Best Value Physical Education Schools in Massachusetts
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physical education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Physical Education Schools
Fitchburg State University earned the #1 spot for value among physical education schools in Massachusetts. Located in the suburb of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the physical education program here. Early-career physical education graduates make about $37,218. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.
A rank of #2 makes Salem State University one of the best values for physical education. Set in the suburb of Salem, Salem State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,338, while out-of-state students pay about $19,531. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career physical education graduates make about $49,656. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Students looking for strong value in physical education will find it at Westfield State University, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Westfield, Westfield State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,179 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,259. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from Westfield State University generally make around $32,456. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Westfield State University admits about 81% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Massachusetts Boston earned it the #4 place for physical education. University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public school located in the city of Boston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,898, compared with $38,115 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,808 to complete the physical education program here. Physical Education graduates of University Of Massachusetts Boston earn a median of $37,703 early in their careers. Set against $26,808 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Springfield College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical education, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Springfield, Springfield College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,974. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Physical Education graduates of Springfield College earn a median of $39,402 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Dean College came in at #6 for value in physical education this year. Located in the suburb of Franklin, Dean College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $46,526. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $27,000. Physical Education graduates of Dean College earn a median of $28,609 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
Merrimack College landed the #7 spot for physical education value this year. Merrimack College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of North Andover. Students from in state pay about $53,962 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,913 to complete the physical education program here. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from Merrimack College generally make around $50,506. Set against $26,913 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
More Physical Education Rankings
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 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.
