by our College Data Analytics Team
[Physical Education](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/physical-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for physical education students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the physical education degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Haskell Indian Nations University, our #1 best value for physical education in Kansas. Located in the city of Lawrence, Haskell Indian Nations University is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $600. Physical Education graduates of Haskell Indian Nations University earn a median of $24,914 early in their careers. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Washburn University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical education, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Topeka, Washburn University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,945, compared with $20,949 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,717 to complete the physical education program here. Early-career physical education graduates make about $25,679. That is a strong return on a $27,717 median debt.
A rank of #3 makes Tabor College one of the best values for physical education. Tabor College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Hillsboro. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,200. Median earnings reach $54,058 ten years out. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Sterling College Kansas earned it the #4 place for physical education. Set in the rural area of Sterling, Sterling College Kansas is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $33,700. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $27,250 in student loans. Early-career physical education graduates make about $30,086. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sterling College Kansas admits about 48% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bethany College Kansas earned it the #5 place for physical education. Located in the rural area of Lindsborg, Bethany College Kansas is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $33,000. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $25,000. Early-career physical education graduates make about $28,881. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bethany College Kansas admits about 56% of applicants.
Friends University landed the #6 spot for physical education value this year. Friends University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Wichita. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,192. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $26,500. Physical Education graduates of Friends University earn a median of $24,870 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
Bethel College North Newton placed #7 among the best values for physical education. Bethel College North Newton is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of North Newton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,014. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the physical education program here. Early-career physical education graduates make about $51,624. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.