2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in North Carolina
[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 42 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies students.
What’s on this page:
2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in North Carolina
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
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill tops our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools in North Carolina. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $16,575. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $39,401. Set against $16,575 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Fayetteville State University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Fayetteville, Fayetteville State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,353, while out-of-state students pay about $8,353. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,869. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Fayetteville State University earn a median of $41,449 early in their careers. Set against $27,869 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.
A rank of #3 makes Brunswick Community College one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Brunswick Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Bolivia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,553, with out-of-state students paying around $8,697. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Brunswick Community College earn a median of $47,493 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.
A rank of #4 makes University Of North Carolina At Greensboro one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $25,027 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earn a median of $47,927 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,027 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Elizabeth City State University earned it the #5 place for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the town of Elizabeth City, Elizabeth City State University is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,536, with out-of-state students paying around $10,536. Students borrow a median of $26,992 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Elizabeth City State University earn a median of $26,821 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,992 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.
Western Carolina University landed the #6 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $24,450 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Western Carolina University generally make around $39,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke placed #7 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the town of Pembroke, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of North Carolina At Pembroke earn a median of $25,623 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants.
North Carolina A And T State University ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the city of Greensboro, North Carolina A And T State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,813 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,673. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $30,000. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from North Carolina A And T State University generally make around $26,498. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #9 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $21,300 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of North Carolina State University At Raleigh earn a median of $34,505 early in their careers. Set against $21,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants.
East Carolina University placed #10 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. East Carolina University is a very large public school located in the city of Greenville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Students borrow a median of $26,800 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of East Carolina University earn a median of $38,476 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,800 median debt. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants.
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte earned the #11 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, compared with $22,492 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 University Of North Carolina At Charlotte generally make around $34,219. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants.
Winston Salem State University placed #12 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the city of Winston-Salem, Winston Salem State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,126 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,782. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,000. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $26,467. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Appalachian State University placed #13 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Appalachian State University is a very large public school located in the town of Boone. In-state tuition and fees average $7,579, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. Students borrow a median of $20,741 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Appalachian State University earn a median of $30,189 early in their careers. Set against $20,741 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Gardner Webb University placed #14 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Gardner Webb University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Boiling Springs. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,750. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,033. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $63,220. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.
North Carolina Central University ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Durham, North Carolina Central University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,699, with out-of-state students paying around $19,735. Students borrow a median of $33,216 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from North Carolina Central University generally make around $33,884. That is a strong return on a $33,216 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.
North Carolina Wesleyan College ranked #16 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the city of Rocky Mount, North Carolina Wesleyan College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,586. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,713. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of North Carolina Wesleyan College earn a median of $40,202 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,713 median debt. North Carolina Wesleyan College admits about 80% of applicants.
Chowan University earned the #17 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Chowan University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Murfreesboro. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,910. Students borrow a median of $31,581 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Chowan University generally make around $25,983. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.
Livingstone College earned the #18 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the suburb of Salisbury, Livingstone College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,296. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $35,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Livingstone College generally make around $21,427. Set against $35,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%.
Catawba College came in at #19 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Catawba College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Salisbury. Students from in state pay about $34,300 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,703. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $27,305. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%.
Shaw University placed #20 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Shaw University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Raleigh. In-state tuition and fees average $17,738. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $30,743 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Shaw University earn a median of $19,048 early in their careers. Set against $30,743 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earned the #21 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Wilmington, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,277, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $31,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%.
Greensboro College placed #22 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Greensboro College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Greensboro. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,000. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Greensboro College earn a median of $27,624 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%.
Mount Olive College landed the #23 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Mount Olive College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Mount Olive. Students from in state pay about $27,366 in tuition and fees. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $25,820 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Mount Olive College generally make around $27,412. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount Olive College admits about 76% of applicants.
Mars Hill College earned the #24 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the rural area of Mars Hill, Mars Hill College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $37,736 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,886. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $43,031. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%.
Wingate University landed the #25 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Wingate, Wingate University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,576. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,000. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Wingate University earn a median of $34,936 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Rest of the Top 42 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:
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 · 42 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 42 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.
