2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in the New England Region
[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 51 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 the New England Region
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
For return on investment in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, no school beat University Of Massachusetts Lowell this year. Set in the suburb of Lowell, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,966, while out-of-state students pay about $36,264. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $25,574 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Lowell generally make around $66,985. Set against $25,574 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%.
Rhode Island College came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Rhode Island College is a large public school located in the suburb of Providence. Students from in state pay about $11,300 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,299. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $23,394 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Rhode Island College earn a median of $45,088 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,394 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at University Of Southern Maine, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,090, compared with $29,940 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Southern Maine generally make around $29,478. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. University Of Southern Maine admits about 79% of applicants.
Fitchburg State University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the suburb of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, compared with $17,426 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 Fitchburg State University generally make around $37,218. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Capital Community 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 New Britain, Capital Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,338, while out-of-state students pay about $15,596. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $12,059 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Capital Community College generally make around $43,086. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Westfield State University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the suburb of Westfield, Westfield State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,179, with out-of-state students paying around $18,259. 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 $32,456. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.
Central Connecticut State University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the suburb of New Britain, Central Connecticut State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,050, compared with $16,550 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Central Connecticut State University generally make around $35,701. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%.
Salem State University placed #8 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Salem, Salem State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,338 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,531. 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 $31,755. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Massachusetts Boston ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,898, while out-of-state students pay about $38,115. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,808 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Boston generally make around $37,703. Set against $26,808 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants.
University Of Maine landed the #10 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,326 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,756 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $25,984 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Maine earn a median of $47,975 early in their careers. Set against $25,984 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maine admits about 97% of applicants.
Vermont Technical College ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the rural area of Randolph, Vermont Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,952, with out-of-state students paying around $22,296. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $24,208 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Vermont Technical College generally make around $37,493. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Keene State College placed #12 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the town of Keene, Keene State College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,784, with out-of-state students paying around $26,840. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,892. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $29,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Keene State College admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of Vermont ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Burlington, University Of Vermont is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,058, while out-of-state students pay about $45,502. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $22,163. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Vermont generally make around $27,835. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Rhode Island placed #14 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Kingston, University Of Rhode Island is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,942, while out-of-state students pay about $37,146. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $23,432. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Rhode Island generally make around $52,821. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Rhode Island admits about 72% of applicants.
Plymouth State University landed the #15 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the town of Plymouth, Plymouth State University is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,626, compared with $25,566 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 Plymouth State University earn a median of $51,687 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Husson University earned the #16 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Husson University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Bangor. Students from in state pay about $23,304 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $28,769. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Husson University earn a median of $37,993 early in their careers. Set against $28,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Husson University admits about 81% of applicants.
University Of Massachusetts Amherst earned the #17 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Students borrow a median of $26,227 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Massachusetts Amherst earn a median of $36,419 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants.
Southern Connecticut State University came in at #18 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,442, while out-of-state students pay about $16,942. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,800. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Southern Connecticut State University generally make around $27,761. That is a strong return on a $25,800 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Thomas College landed the #19 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the town of Waterville, Thomas College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,824. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Thomas College earn a median of $38,348 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Johnson And Wales University Online placed #20 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Providence, Johnson And Wales University Online is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,365. 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 $30,963. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the town of Durham, University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,202 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,852 for out-of-state students. 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 $33,807. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Connecticut placed #22 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $23,125 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Connecticut earn a median of $40,704 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.
Norwich University landed the #23 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the rural area of Northfield, Norwich University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $49,740 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,500. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $33,805. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.
Post University placed #24 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Waterbury, Post University is a very large private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,922. Students borrow a median of $31,250 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Post University generally make around $29,592. That is a strong return on a $31,250 median debt.
American International College placed #25 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. American International College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $44,230. Students borrow a median of $30,390 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $66,104. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. American International College admits about 100% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year:
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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 · 51 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 51 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.
