2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region
[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.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 34 schools to find the best return on investment for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students.
What’s on this page:
2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
Our analysis ranked Utah Valley University the best value for a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies in the Rocky Mountains Region. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $15,252. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $31,905. That is a strong return on a $15,252 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Laramie County Community College, which ranked #2. Laramie County Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Cheyenne. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,613, with out-of-state students paying around $10,913. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $15,309 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $51,302. Set against $15,309 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Brigham Young University Idaho is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $12,567 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Brigham Young University Idaho generally make around $27,961. Set against $12,567 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Salt Lake Community College one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,426, compared with $14,244 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,855 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Salt Lake Community College earn a median of $42,031 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,855 median debt.
A rank of #5 makes Southern Utah University one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,962, with out-of-state students paying around $21,192. 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. Southern Utah University admits about 82% of applicants.
Weber State University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,588 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $39,059. That is a strong return on a $19,588 median debt.
Aims Community College placed #7 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Greeley, Aims Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,258, compared with $11,786 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $11,199 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Aims Community College earn a median of $45,909 early in their careers. Set against $11,199 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Colorado State University Pueblo landed the #8 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Colorado State University Pueblo is a large public school located in the city of Pueblo. Students from in state pay about $9,720 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,944 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,117 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Colorado State University Pueblo earn a median of $34,865 early in their careers. Set against $26,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Pueblo admits about 95% of applicants.
University Of Wyoming landed the #9 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Students borrow a median of $22,101 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Wyoming generally make around $31,326. Set against $22,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.
Adams State College earned the #10 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Alamosa, Adams State College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,824, compared with $21,944 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $21,451 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Adams State College earn a median of $30,045 early in their careers. Set against $21,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Montana State University Northern earned the #11 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Montana State University Northern is a small public school located in the town of Havre. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,982, compared with $21,875 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $23,855. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Montana State University Northern earn a median of $50,896 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,855 median debt.
Utah State University ranked #12 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $16,191. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $35,079. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Idaho placed #13 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the town of Moscow, University Of Idaho is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,084, while out-of-state students pay about $28,320. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Idaho generally make around $27,484. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Metropolitan State College Of Denver earned the #14 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a very large public school located in the city of Denver. Students from in state pay about $11,124 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,684 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $22,292. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Metropolitan State College Of Denver generally make around $41,161. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State College Of Denver admits about 99% of applicants.
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #15 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $9,354 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $25,857. That is a strong return on a $9,354 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Mesa State College earned the #16 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Mesa State College is a large public school located in the city of Grand Junction. Students from in state pay about $9,927 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,124. Students borrow a median of $25,900 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Mesa State College earn a median of $31,253 early in their careers. Set against $25,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mesa State College admits about 82% of applicants.
Lewis Clark State College landed the #17 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the city of Lewiston, Lewis Clark State College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,610, with out-of-state students paying around $22,028. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $21,475. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $33,176. Set against $21,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Dixie State College Of Utah earned the #18 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public school located in the city of Saint George. Students from in state pay about $6,306 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,246. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $18,437 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Dixie State College Of Utah generally make around $30,912. That is a strong return on a $18,437 median debt.
University Of Utah landed the #19 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $19,594 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $37,354 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,594 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Montana State University Billings ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Billings, Montana State University Billings is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,280 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,897 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,465. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Montana State University Billings generally make around $48,764. Set against $25,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The University Of Montana Western came in at #21 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Dillon, The University Of Montana Western is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,669 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,130. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $22,484 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from The University Of Montana Western generally make around $36,924. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Montana Western admits about 100% of applicants.
Western State College Of Colorado placed #22 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the town of Gunnison, Western State College Of Colorado is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,318, with out-of-state students paying around $24,434. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $24,900. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Western State College Of Colorado earn a median of $21,111 early in their careers. Set against $24,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
Fort Lewis College landed the #23 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the town of Durango, Fort Lewis College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,958 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,526 for out-of-state students. 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 $24,429. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Fort Lewis College admits about 77% of applicants.
Regis University earned the #24 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Denver, Regis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,140. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $31,773 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $72,028. Set against $31,773 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
University Of Northern Colorado came in at #25 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. University Of Northern Colorado is a large public school located in the city of Greeley. Students from in state pay about $11,901 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. Students borrow a median of $24,450 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Northern Colorado earn a median of $40,518 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Rest of the Top 34 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies:
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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 · 34 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 34 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.
