by our College Data Analytics Team
[Sports Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/sports-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value sports studies schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in sports studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Lake Erie College tops our 2027 list of the best value sports studies schools in Ohio. Set in the suburb of Painesville, Lake Erie College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,634. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $28,250 in student loans. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $65,474. Set against $28,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lake Erie College admits about 70% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Tiffin University earned it the #2 place for sports studies. Set in the town of Tiffin, Tiffin University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,790. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Tiffin University generally make around $36,557. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tiffin University admits about 80% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes John Carroll University one of the best values for sports studies. Set in the suburb of University Heights, John Carroll University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,500. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the sports studies program here. Sports Studies graduates of John Carroll University earn a median of $27,971 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.
A rank of #4 makes Denison University one of the best values for sports studies. Set in the suburb of Granville, Denison University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,000. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $25,360. Sports Studies graduates of Denison University earn a median of $39,797 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,360 median debt. Denison University admits about 17% of applicants.
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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.