2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Michigan
[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 26 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 Michigan
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
Our analysis ranked Oakland University the best value for a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies in Michigan. Set in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,167, 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. Set against $25,972 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $19,135 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $42,490. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 16%.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Wayne State University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $16,159 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Wayne State University generally make around $45,568. That is a strong return on a $26,689 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saginaw Valley State University earned it the #4 place for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of University Center, Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,930, while out-of-state students pay about $30,450. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $30,000. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Saginaw Valley State University generally make around $31,021. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saginaw Valley State University admits about 72% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Michigan Technological University one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the town of Houghton, Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Students borrow a median of $20,091 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Michigan Technological University earn a median of $64,652 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants.
Northern Michigan University earned the #6 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Marquette, Northern Michigan University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,322, while out-of-state students pay about $19,944. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $24,604 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Northern Michigan University generally make around $22,216. Set against $24,604 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Western Michigan University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $35,152. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.
Albion College landed the #8 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the town of Albion, Albion College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,950. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Albion College generally make around $30,314. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.
Eastern Michigan University ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,894 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Eastern Michigan University generally make around $34,499. Set against $26,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants.
Grand Valley State University landed the #10 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Grand Valley State University is a very large public school located in the town of Allendale. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,300 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $29,913. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.
Siena Heights University came in at #11 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Adrian, Siena Heights University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $30,778 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,790. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Siena Heights University earn a median of $52,293 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,790 median debt. Siena Heights University admits about 69% of applicants.
Aquinas College Michigan ranked #12 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Grand Rapids, Aquinas College Michigan is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,218. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Aquinas College Michigan generally make around $27,301. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Central Michigan University ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $36,910. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Madonna University landed the #14 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Madonna University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Livonia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,440. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,896 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Madonna University earn a median of $56,984 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,896 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
Davenport University came in at #15 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the suburb of Grand Rapids, Davenport University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $24,466. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $34,380. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Michigan State University placed #16 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Students borrow a median of $25,788 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $37,263 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.
Spring Arbor University landed the #17 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Spring Arbor University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Spring Arbor. Students from in state pay about $34,014 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,268 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Spring Arbor University earn a median of $53,080 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Spring Arbor University admits about 52% of applicants.
Cornerstone University earned the #18 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Grand Rapids, Cornerstone University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,000. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Cornerstone University earn a median of $27,327 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Cornerstone University admits about 78% of applicants.
Alma College placed #19 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the town of Alma, Alma College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,552 in tuition and fees. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Alma College generally make around $25,445. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Alma College admits about 57% of applicants.
Olivet College landed the #20 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the rural area of Olivet, Olivet College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $34,068 in tuition and fees. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $29,578 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Olivet College earn a median of $24,879 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $29,578 median debt. Olivet College admits about 83% of applicants.
Calvin College came in at #21 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Calvin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Grand Rapids. In-state tuition and fees average $39,350. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $24,833. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Calvin College earn a median of $26,309 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Rochester College landed the #22 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Rochester College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Rochester Hills. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,196. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Rochester College generally make around $45,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Adrian College earned the #23 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Adrian, Adrian College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $41,684 in tuition and fees. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $36,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Hope College ranked #24 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Holland, Hope College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,484. 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 Hope College generally make around $25,862. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hope College admits about 79% of applicants.
Northwood University Michigan landed the #25 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the city of Midland, Northwood University Michigan is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,400. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,237. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Northwood University Michigan earn a median of $28,569 early in their careers. Set against $25,237 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.
Rest of the Top 26 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value ranking:
More Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Rankings
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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.
