[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 272 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students.
Leading the list is University Of Florida, our #1 best value for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies in the United States. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $19,707 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $50,149. That is a strong return on a $19,707 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #2 makes California State University Fresno one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $14,307. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $27,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%.
California State University Northridge came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Northridge, California State University Northridge is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $44,961. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes California State University Bakersfield one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. California State University Bakersfield is a large public school located in the city of Bakersfield. Students from in state pay about $8,087 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,687. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,009 ten years after entry. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at California State University Fullerton, which ranked #5. 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. Students borrow a median of $14,481 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of California State University Fullerton earn a median of $33,141 early in their careers. Set against $14,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Florida Atlantic University placed #6 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Florida Atlantic University is a very large public school located in the city of Boca Raton. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $20,659. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Florida Atlantic University earn a median of $50,952 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Long Beach landed the #7 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $14,550 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $49,335. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%.
Florida International University ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $39,858. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants.
The University Of West Florida landed the #9 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,776 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,658 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,188 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $28,643. Set against $22,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Central Florida landed the #10 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. University Of Central Florida is a very large public school located in the suburb of Orlando. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Students borrow a median of $21,620 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Central Florida earn a median of $46,398 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,620 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%.
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Tampa. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $34,249. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #12 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $16,575. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $47,637 early in their careers. Set against $16,575 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 15%.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the town of Durant, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,200, compared with $16,410 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,660 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Southeastern Oklahoma State University earn a median of $53,961 early in their careers. Set against $18,660 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Florida State University ranked #14 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Florida State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tallahassee. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $39,740. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%.
California State Polytechnic University Pomona placed #15 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public school located in the suburb of Pomona. In-state tuition and fees average $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of California State Polytechnic University Pomona earn a median of $28,364 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
American Public University System came in at #16 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Charles Town, American Public University System is a very large private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,312 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $59,601. That is a strong return on a $19,312 median debt.
University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #17 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Students borrow a median of $16,750 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $28,874. Set against $16,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
Southern Utah University came in at #18 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,962, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $14,352. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Southern Utah University generally make around $30,092. Set against $14,352 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.
California State University San Marcos earned the #19 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the suburb of San Marcos, California State University San Marcos is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,082 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,682. Students borrow a median of $18,257 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from California State University San Marcos generally make around $26,203. Set against $18,257 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #20 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $19,135 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $41,473 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 16%.
University Of Nevada Las Vegas landed the #21 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $21,102. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Nevada Las Vegas generally make around $29,123. Set against $21,102 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants.
The University Of Texas At El Paso ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $21,049. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $23,010. That is a strong return on a $21,049 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%.
University Of North Georgia landed the #23 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the town of Dahlonega, University Of North Georgia is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of North Georgia earn a median of $47,942 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Georgia admits about 68% of applicants.
Texas Womans University placed #24 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Texas Womans University is a large public school located in the city of Denton. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,167 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $55,110. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
East Central University landed the #25 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. East Central University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Ada. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,032, with out-of-state students paying around $17,842. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $21,200 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $29,616. Set against $21,200 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Rest of the Top 50 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:
This ranking is produced 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 · 272 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 272 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 schools below stand out for delivering a strong parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies education at a price that pays off.
