2027 Best Value Sports Studies Master’s Degree Schools
[Sports Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/sports-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong sports studies education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 26 schools to find the best return on investment for sports studies students.
What’s on this page:
2027 Best Value Sports Studies Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the sports studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Sports Studies Schools
University Of The Cumberlands tops our 2027 list of the best value sports studies schools in the United States. Located in the town of Williamsburg, University Of The Cumberlands is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,875. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $22,630 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from University Of The Cumberlands generally make around $31,401. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of The Cumberlands admits about 99% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes Adams State College one of the best values for sports studies. Set in the town of Alamosa, Adams State College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,824 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,944 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $21,451. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Adams State College generally make around $30,045. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Ball State University one of the best values for sports studies. Located in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,082 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Students borrow a median of $25,962 to complete the sports studies program here. Sports Studies graduates of Ball State University earn a median of $38,158 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,962 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Michigan University earned it the #4 place for sports studies. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $48,966. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.
University Of Massachusetts Boston is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sports studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,898, with out-of-state students paying around $38,115. Students borrow a median of $26,808 to complete the sports studies program here. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $37,703. That is a strong return on a $26,808 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants.
Randolph College earned the #6 position for value in sports studies this year. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Randolph College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,310. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete the sports studies program here. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Randolph College generally make around $43,197. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.
University Of Northern Colorado came in at #7 for value in sports studies this year. Set in the city of Greeley, University Of Northern Colorado is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,901 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete the sports studies program here. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from University Of Northern Colorado generally make around $45,705. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. University Of Northern Colorado admits about 86% of applicants.
Northwest Missouri State University placed #8 among the best values for sports studies. Located in the town of Maryville, Northwest Missouri State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $23,585 to complete the sports studies program here. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $42,939. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants.
Vermont Technical College ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value sports studies schools. Set in the rural area of Randolph, Vermont Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,952, while out-of-state students pay about $22,296. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $24,208. Sports Studies graduates of Vermont Technical College earn a median of $41,822 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Cumberland University came in at #10 for value in sports studies this year. Located in the town of Lebanon, Cumberland University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,840. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $21,902 in student loans. Sports Studies graduates of Cumberland University earn a median of $47,696 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,902 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Kentucky earned the #11 position for value in sports studies this year. University Of Kentucky is a very large public school located in the city of Lexington. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Students borrow a median of $24,094 to complete the sports studies program here. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from University Of Kentucky generally make around $49,568. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants.
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #12 for value in sports studies this year. Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public school located in the city of Mankato. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $24,420. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $52,164. Set against $24,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Texas Southern University came in at #13 for value in sports studies this year. Texas Southern University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Houston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,637, with out-of-state students paying around $21,473. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $30,000. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Texas Southern University generally make around $32,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Southern University admits about 97% of applicants.
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #14 for value in sports studies this year. Located in the city of Saint Paul, Concordia University Saint Paul is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $25,600. Students borrow a median of $29,156 to complete the sports studies program here. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $44,321. That is a strong return on a $29,156 median debt. Concordia University Saint Paul admits about 79% of applicants.
University Of Mary earned the #15 position for value in sports studies this year. Located in the rural area of Bismarck, University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $22,356. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $65,565. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Mary admits about 75% of applicants.
Suny College At Cortland landed the #16 spot for sports studies value this year. Suny College At Cortland is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Cortland. Students from in state pay about $8,874 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,784. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $25,681. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $47,093. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%.
Manhattanville College earned the #17 position for value in sports studies this year. Located in the suburb of Purchase, Manhattanville College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $44,604 in tuition and fees. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $50,801. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Iowa came in at #18 for value in sports studies this year. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $23,813. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $42,017. That is a strong return on a $23,813 median debt. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants.
Upper Iowa University ranked #19 on our 2027 list of the best value sports studies schools. Upper Iowa University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Fayette. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,475. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $25,641. Early-career sports studies graduates make about $35,361. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.
United States Sports Academy came in at #20 for value in sports studies this year. United States Sports Academy is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Daphne. In-state tuition and fees average $20,700. Sports Studies graduates of United States Sports Academy earn a median of $54,034 early in their careers. United States Sports Academy admits about 61% of applicants.
Temple University came in at #21 for value in sports studies this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the sports studies program here. Sports Studies graduates of Temple University earn a median of $54,642 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants.
Tiffin University earned the #22 position for value in sports studies this year. Located in the town of Tiffin, Tiffin University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $34,790 in tuition and fees. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Sports Studies graduates of Tiffin University earn a median of $36,557 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Springfield College placed #23 among the best values for sports studies. Located in the city of Springfield, Springfield College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,974. Sports Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Springfield College generally make around $44,612. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Springfield College admits about 72% of applicants.
Springfield College School Of Professional And Continuing Studies came in at #24 for value in sports studies this year. Located in the city of Springfield, Springfield College School Of Professional And Continuing Studies is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $19,887 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, sports studies degree recipients from Springfield College School Of Professional And Continuing Studies generally make around $44,612. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Tulane University Of Louisiana earned the #25 position for value in sports studies this year. Located in the city of New Orleans, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $68,678. Typical student debt for sports studies graduates is $22,077. Sports Studies graduates of Tulane University Of Louisiana earn a median of $53,507 early in their careers. Set against $22,077 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 26 Best Value Sports Studies Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in sports studies:
Other Sports Studies Degree Levels
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Sports Studies rankings across degree levels:
View All Sports Studies Rankings >
Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 26 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 26 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.
