2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Pennsylvania
[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.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 43 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students.
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2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Pennsylvania
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
Bucks County Community College tops our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools in Pennsylvania. Located in the rural area of Newtown, Bucks County Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,646, with out-of-state students paying around $13,926. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $13,068 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Bucks County Community College earn a median of $37,711 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Lehigh Carbon Community College, which ranked #2. Set in the rural area of Schnecksville, Lehigh Carbon Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,280, with out-of-state students paying around $13,270. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $14,450 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $39,957. Set against $14,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Holy Family University earned it the #3 place for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Holy Family University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,330. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,562 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Holy Family University earn a median of $31,518 early in their careers. Set against $26,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Holy Family University admits about 71% of applicants.
Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the town of Bloomsburg, Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,046, with out-of-state students paying around $22,870. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,167 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $38,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Harrisburg University Of Science And Technology one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Harrisburg University Of Science And Technology is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Harrisburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $24,400. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $28,375 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Harrisburg University Of Science And Technology generally make around $35,098. Set against $28,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #6 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the town of Indiana, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. 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 $37,991. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus admits about 91% of applicants.
University Of Pittsburgh Bradford came in at #7 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. University Of Pittsburgh Bradford is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Bradford. Students from in state pay about $14,770 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,644 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Bradford generally make around $24,916. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
York College Pennsylvania ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the suburb of York, York College Pennsylvania is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from York College Pennsylvania generally make around $35,739. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. York College Pennsylvania admits about 74% of applicants.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,356. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $24,410 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Pennsylvania State University World Campus earn a median of $35,132 early in their careers. Set against $24,410 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania earned the #10 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of East Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,236, compared with $19,202 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,242 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $33,469. Set against $26,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 92% of applicants.
Pennsylvania Western University placed #11 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Pennsylvania Western University is a large public school located in the town of California. In-state tuition and fees average $11,436, with out-of-state students paying around $16,054. Students borrow a median of $32,252 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Pennsylvania Western University generally make around $39,718. That is a strong return on a $32,252 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #12 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,800 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $35,945. That is a strong return on a $26,800 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania earned the #13 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Millersville, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Students borrow a median of $26,486 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Millersville University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $43,441 early in their careers. Set against $26,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #14 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Kutztown. Students from in state pay about $11,206 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. 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 Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $36,363. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Rosemont College landed the #15 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the suburb of Rosemont, Rosemont College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,854. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $29,211 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $55,678. Set against $29,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rosemont College admits about 76% of applicants.
Wilson College ranked #16 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Wilson College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chambersburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,100. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $34,814 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Wilson College generally make around $58,020. Set against $34,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Seton Hill University came in at #17 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Seton Hill University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Greensburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,944. 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 Seton Hill University generally make around $32,975. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the suburb of West Chester, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Median earnings reach $61,258 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Kings College placed #19 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Wilkes-Barre, Kings College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,100 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,980. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Kings College generally make around $45,414. That is a strong return on a $26,980 median debt. Kings College admits about 93% of applicants.
Thiel College earned the #20 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Greenville, Thiel College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,344 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 $36,966. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Thiel College admits about 72% of applicants.
Gannon University earned the #21 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Erie, Gannon University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,656. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,390. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Gannon University earn a median of $73,658 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,390 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%.
Pennsylvania State University Penn State Altoona placed #22 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Altoona, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Altoona is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $15,972 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,958 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Pennsylvania State University Penn State Altoona earn a median of $30,133 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.
Marywood University ranked #23 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Scranton, Marywood University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $41,420 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,744 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Marywood University earn a median of $53,292 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,744 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg landed the #24 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Middletown, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,972, with out-of-state students paying around $26,958. 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 $30,133. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Keystone College placed #25 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Keystone College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of La Plume. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,300. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,981 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Keystone College earn a median of $21,026 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 43 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
The ranking above is published 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 · 43 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 43 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.
