2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Oklahoma
[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 25 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 Oklahoma
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
University Of Science And Arts Of Oklahoma tops our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools in Oklahoma. University Of Science And Arts Of Oklahoma is a small public school located in the town of Chickasha. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,000, compared with $20,190 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Science And Arts Of Oklahoma earn a median of $30,136 early in their careers. The acceptance rate is 66%.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Redlands Community College, which ranked #2. Located in the town of El Reno, Redlands Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,385 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,951. Students borrow a median of $14,682 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $45,166. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Southeastern Oklahoma State University one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Durant. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,200, compared with $16,410 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $18,660. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Southeastern Oklahoma State University generally make around $53,961. Set against $18,660 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southeastern Oklahoma State University admits about 76% of applicants.
Western Oklahoma State College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Western Oklahoma State College is a small public school located in the town of Altus. Students from in state pay about $5,390 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,758. Students borrow a median of $14,654 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Western Oklahoma State College earn a median of $39,122 early in their careers. Set against $14,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #5 makes Northwestern Oklahoma State University one of the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Alva. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,970, with out-of-state students paying around $11,664. Students borrow a median of $20,335 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $26,809. That is a strong return on a $20,335 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%.
East Central University placed #6 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. East Central University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Ada. In-state tuition and fees average $8,032, compared with $17,842 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $21,200 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from East Central University generally make around $29,616. That is a strong return on a $21,200 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Oklahoma Panhandle State University came in at #7 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the rural area of Goodwell, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,092, while out-of-state students pay about $8,675. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $24,249 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Oklahoma Panhandle State University earn a median of $53,151 early in their careers. Set against $24,249 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Connors State College earned the #8 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Connors State College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Warner. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,792, compared with $7,530 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $16,071 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $47,964. Set against $16,071 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Cameron University landed the #9 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the city of Lawton, Cameron University is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $7,095 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,515 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $18,383 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Cameron University earn a median of $26,189 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northeastern Oklahoma Aandm College came in at #10 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Miami, Northeastern Oklahoma Aandm College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,213 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,363. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $15,568. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Northeastern Oklahoma Aandm College generally make around $46,400. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northeastern State University placed #11 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the town of Tahlequah, Northeastern State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,810, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $19,041 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Northeastern State University generally make around $34,428. Set against $19,041 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%.
Rose State College ranked #12 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Rose State College is a large public school located in the suburb of Midwest City. In-state tuition and fees average $5,030, with out-of-state students paying around $11,407. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $13,451 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Rose State College earn a median of $50,860 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University landed the #13 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Weatherford. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,469, compared with $8,499 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $22,551. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Southwestern Oklahoma State University earn a median of $38,506 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Tulsa earned the #14 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. University Of Tulsa is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Tulsa. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,546. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $23,638 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Tulsa earn a median of $62,482 early in their careers. Set against $23,638 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Tulsa admits about 62% of applicants.
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #15 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $21,657 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn a median of $30,903 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants.
Rogers State University landed the #16 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the town of Claremore, Rogers State University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750, while out-of-state students pay about $16,410. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $31,167. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt.
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #17 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $22,176 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Oklahoma State University Main Campus earn a median of $35,443 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Central Oklahoma placed #18 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Edmond, University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,818, while out-of-state students pay about $19,704. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $33,125. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. University Of Central Oklahoma admits about 78% of applicants.
Southwestern Christian University earned the #19 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the suburb of Bethany, Southwestern Christian University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,900 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $22,375. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Southwestern Christian University generally make around $30,063. Set against $22,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Oklahoma Baptist University came in at #20 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Shawnee, Oklahoma Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,570. Students borrow a median of $23,425 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $47,100. That is a strong return on a $23,425 median debt. Oklahoma Baptist University admits about 49% of applicants.
Oklahoma Christian University came in at #21 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Oklahoma Christian University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Edmond. In-state tuition and fees average $27,180. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $21,500. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Oklahoma Christian University earn a median of $32,564 early in their careers. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma Christian University admits about 96% of applicants.
Southern Nazarene University ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Located in the suburb of Bethany, Southern Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,190. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $52,611. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Oklahoma City University placed #23 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,754. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,248 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Oklahoma City University generally make around $58,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma City University admits about 77% of applicants.
Oral Roberts University landed the #24 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the city of Tulsa, Oral Roberts University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $25,965 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Oral Roberts University generally make around $32,150. Set against $25,965 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University came in at #25 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the town of Bartlesville, Oklahoma Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,550. Students borrow a median of $30,970 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Oklahoma Wesleyan University earn a median of $64,764 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $30,970 median debt. Oklahoma Wesleyan University admits about 66% of applicants.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 25 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 25 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.
