[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) 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 809 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students.
University Of Florida earned the #1 spot for value among parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools in the United States. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $19,707 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $39,820. Set against $19,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants.
California State University San Bernardino is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #2 spot this year. California State University San Bernardino is a very large public school located in the city of San Bernardino. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,088, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of California State University San Bernardino earn a median of $29,143 early in their careers. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Cuny Brooklyn College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,452 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,402. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $13,629 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $25,101. Set against $13,629 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Los Angeles came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $13,750. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from California State University Los Angeles generally make around $28,687. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Cuny Lehman College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,410, compared with $15,360 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $10,861 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Cuny Lehman College generally make around $29,583. Set against $10,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Lehman College admits about 57% of applicants.
University Of Florida Online landed the #6 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida Online is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,876, while out-of-state students pay about $16,579. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $19,707 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $39,834. That is a strong return on a $19,707 median debt. University Of Florida Online admits about 61% of applicants.
California State University Bakersfield placed #7 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. California State University Bakersfield is a large public school located in the city of Bakersfield. In-state tuition and fees average $8,087, while out-of-state students pay about $20,687. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,009 ten years after entry. California State University Bakersfield admits about 94% of applicants.
California State University Fresno landed the #8 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $14,307. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of California State University Fresno earn a median of $26,944 early in their careers. Set against $14,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.
California State University Fullerton ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $14,481 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of California State University Fullerton earn a median of $23,543 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,481 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
California State University Stanislaus landed the #10 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the suburb of Turlock, California State University Stanislaus is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,242, with out-of-state students paying around $20,842. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $17,085 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of California State University Stanislaus earn a median of $25,414 early in their careers. Set against $17,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Northridge landed the #11 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $15,000. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from California State University Northridge generally make around $27,952. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Utah Valley University landed the #12 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $15,252. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Utah Valley University generally make around $31,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Cuny Queens College ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Cuny Queens College is a large public school located in the city of Queens. Students from in state pay about $7,538 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Cuny Queens College generally make around $16,236. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Cuny Queens College admits about 64% of applicants.
Texas A And M International University placed #14 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Laredo, Texas A And M International University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,894, while out-of-state students pay about $19,454. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $19,327 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $24,867. Set against $19,327 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 44%.
California State University Sacramento ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $18,180 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of California State University Sacramento earn a median of $31,943 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants.
Oakland University earned the #16 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Oakland University is a large public school located in the suburb of Rochester Hills. Students from in state pay about $17,167 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,972. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Oakland University generally make around $54,785. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oakland University admits about 88% of applicants.
California State University East Bay landed the #17 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Hayward, California State University East Bay is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,583 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $18,306 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of California State University East Bay earn a median of $33,227 early in their careers. Set against $18,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University East Bay admits about 97% of applicants.
Florida Atlantic University ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Florida Atlantic University is a very large public school located in the city of Boca Raton. Students from in state pay about $4,879 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,659 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Florida Atlantic University earn a median of $30,412 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,659 median debt. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants.
University Of Central Florida placed #19 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $21,620 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Central Florida earn a median of $46,398 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #20 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $16,575 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $31,165. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Dominguez Hills came in at #21 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,454, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. Students borrow a median of $17,318 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $25,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Berea College placed #22 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Berea College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Berea. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,658. Students borrow a median of $5,801 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $31,428. That is a strong return on a $5,801 median debt. Roughly 19% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Houston Victoria placed #23 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. University Of Houston Victoria is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Victoria. Students from in state pay about $7,149 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,941. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $24,081. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Houston Victoria earn a median of $47,345 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,081 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Florida International University earned the #24 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $29,862. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Long Beach came in at #25 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Students borrow a median of $14,550 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $22,194 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies:
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 · 809 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 809 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).
[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
