[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 254 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students.
Our analysis ranked University Of Florida the best value for a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies in the Southeast Region. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $19,707 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $44,857 early in their careers. Set against $19,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants.
University Of Florida Online came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. University Of Florida Online is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Gainesville. In-state tuition and fees average $3,876, while out-of-state students pay about $16,579. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $19,707. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Florida Online earn a median of $39,834 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida Online admits about 61% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $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 $39,401 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants.
University Of Central Florida came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $21,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%.
A rank of #5 makes Florida Atlantic University one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,879 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $20,659 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $40,682. That is a strong return on a $20,659 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
Florida International University placed #6 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $19,000. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $34,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
Northwest Florida State College came in at #7 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Niceville, Northwest Florida State College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,583, while out-of-state students pay about $10,612. Students borrow a median of $11,566 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $48,463. That is a strong return on a $11,566 median debt.
University Of North Florida ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,964 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,407. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $33,364. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 53%.
University Of South Florida Main Campus earned the #9 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of South Florida Main Campus earn a median of $34,249 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%.
Florida State University came in at #10 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Florida State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tallahassee. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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 $34,630. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%.
University Of North Georgia earned the #11 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. University Of North Georgia is a very large public school located in the town of Dahlonega. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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 $42,341 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of West Florida placed #12 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $18,658. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $22,188 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from The University Of West Florida generally make around $28,643. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of West Florida admits about 58% of applicants.
American Public University System placed #13 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the town of Charles Town, American Public University System is a very large private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $19,312 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from American Public University System generally make around $55,491. Set against $19,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
South Georgia Technical College landed the #14 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. South Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Americus. In-state tuition and fees average $3,992, compared with $7,202 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $10,423. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $40,497. Set against $10,423 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Berea College landed the #15 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Berea College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Berea. Students from in state pay about $51,658 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $5,801. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Berea College earn a median of $31,428 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $5,801 median debt. Roughly 19% of applicants are accepted.
Marshall University ranked #16 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,162, compared with $20,342 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $24,000. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $20,682. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Holmes Community College landed the #17 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the rural area of Goodman, Holmes Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,710, compared with $6,610 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $13,191. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Holmes Community College generally make around $32,145. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
East Mississippi Community College came in at #18 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the rural area of Scooba, East Mississippi Community College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,095, while out-of-state students pay about $7,445. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $9,422. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from East Mississippi Community College generally make around $34,012. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Fairmont State University ranked #19 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the town of Fairmont, Fairmont State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,708 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,924. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Fairmont State University generally make around $30,833. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Fairmont State University admits about 99% of applicants.
Fayetteville State University placed #20 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Fayetteville, Fayetteville State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,353, with out-of-state students paying around $8,353. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,869 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Fayetteville State University earn a median of $41,449 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,869 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Northwest Mississippi Community College placed #21 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the town of Senatobia, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,740. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $9,990. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Northwest Mississippi Community College earn a median of $35,001 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Louisiana State University Alexandria placed #22 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Louisiana State University Alexandria is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Alexandria. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,050, while out-of-state students pay about $14,725. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $24,656 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Louisiana State University Alexandria generally make around $47,702. That is a strong return on a $24,656 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Tennessee Martin came in at #23 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. The University Of Tennessee Martin is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Martin. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,560, with out-of-state students paying around $16,600. Students borrow a median of $23,938 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of The University Of Tennessee Martin earn a median of $30,587 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Georgia landed the #24 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $36,359 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.
Florida Gulf Coast University came in at #25 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the suburb of Fort Myers, Florida Gulf Coast University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,118, while out-of-state students pay about $25,162. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Florida Gulf Coast University generally make around $36,002. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Florida Gulf Coast University admits about 63% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies:
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 · 254 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 254 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/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
