2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Illinois
[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 32 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools.
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2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Illinois
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
Triton College tops our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools in Illinois. Triton College is a large public school located in the suburb of River Grove. In-state tuition and fees average $5,070, while out-of-state students pay about $15,330. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $12,994 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Triton College earn a median of $43,278 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Saint Xavier University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Chicago, Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,945. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,735. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $51,753. Set against $25,735 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Xavier University admits about 84% of applicants.
University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $16,750. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $28,874. That is a strong return on a $16,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at University Of Illinois At Springfield, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Springfield, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,557 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,139. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Illinois At Springfield earn a median of $53,344 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Harper College, which ranked #5. Harper College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Palatine. In-state tuition and fees average $3,894, with out-of-state students paying around $11,874. Students borrow a median of $10,963 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Harper College generally make around $44,523. Set against $10,963 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Eastern Illinois University earned the #6 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Eastern Illinois University is a large public school located in the town of Charleston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $36,769. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #7 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $21,480 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $31,370. Set against $21,480 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #8 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $22,690. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $34,697. Set against $22,690 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants.
Northern Illinois University placed #9 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Northern Illinois University is a large public school located in the suburb of Dekalb. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,418 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Northern Illinois University generally make around $36,011. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%.
Northeastern Illinois University placed #10 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,383 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,726. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $17,600. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Northeastern Illinois University earn a median of $49,254 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,600 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
Western Illinois University came in at #11 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $30,600. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Western Illinois University earn a median of $33,562 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #12 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public school located in the suburb of Edwardsville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $23,237. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $34,811. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants.
Lewis University came in at #13 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Romeoville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,200. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Lewis University earn a median of $28,856 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%.
North Park University landed the #14 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, North Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,710. Students borrow a median of $25,495 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of North Park University earn a median of $30,165 early in their careers. Set against $25,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Eureka College earned the #15 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Eureka, Eureka College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,636 in tuition and fees. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,619 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Eureka College generally make around $40,144. Set against $26,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eureka College admits about 85% of applicants.
Concordia University Chicago came in at #16 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of River Forest, Concordia University Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $37,488. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,166 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $40,158. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Monmouth College placed #17 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the town of Monmouth, Monmouth College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,922. Students borrow a median of $25,757 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $29,027. That is a strong return on a $25,757 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Judson University landed the #18 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Judson University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Elgin. In-state tuition and fees average $30,297. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,685 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $47,550. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Judson University admits about 48% of applicants.
Aurora University ranked #19 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the suburb of Aurora, Aurora University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,170. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Aurora University generally make around $37,256. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%.
Illinois State University placed #20 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Students borrow a median of $21,400 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $37,258. Set against $21,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Trinity Christian College earned the #21 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Palos Heights, Trinity Christian College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,605. Students borrow a median of $28,722 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $48,400. Set against $28,722 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Trinity Christian College admits about 85% of applicants.
Greenville College earned the #22 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Greenville, Greenville College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,200. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,445. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Greenville College earn a median of $36,911 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Greenville College admits about 98% of applicants.
Quincy University placed #23 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the town of Quincy, Quincy University is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $37,140 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,691 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $46,414. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Quincy University admits about 51% of applicants.
North Central College came in at #24 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. North Central College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Naperville. In-state tuition and fees average $45,726. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,000. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $34,609. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
Olivet Nazarene University landed the #25 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the suburb of Bourbonnais, Olivet Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,900. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Olivet Nazarene University generally make around $28,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%.
Rest of the Top 32 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year:
More Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies 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 · 32 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 32 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.
