2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Missouri
[Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 26 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 Missouri
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
Truman State University tops our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools in Missouri. Located in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $22,500. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Truman State University generally make around $26,865. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants.
Missouri Southern State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Joplin, Missouri Southern State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,600, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $24,947. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Missouri Southern State University generally make around $34,465. That is a strong return on a $24,947 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at University Of Central Missouri, which ranked #3. University Of Central Missouri is a large public school located in the town of Warrensburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from University Of Central Missouri generally make around $39,975. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%.
University Of Missouri St Louis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,120, with out-of-state students paying around $37,620. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,943. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of University Of Missouri St Louis earn a median of $53,079 early in their careers. Set against $25,943 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri St Louis admits about 63% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies will find it at Missouri Western State University, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Saint Joseph, Missouri Western State University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,545, compared with $18,455 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $24,815. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Missouri Western State University generally make around $36,557. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Southeast Missouri State University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Southeast Missouri State University is a large public school located in the city of Cape Girardeau. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,572 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of $34,638 early in their careers. Set against $22,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.
Avila University placed #7 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Kansas City, Avila University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $40,200 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,750 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Avila University earn a median of $51,234 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #8 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Northwest Missouri State University is a large public school located in the town of Maryville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,103. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Northwest Missouri State University earn a median of $43,490 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #9 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $29,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #10 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. 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 $38,725. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Evangel University came in at #11 for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Springfield, Evangel University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,548. Students borrow a median of $24,876 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Evangel University generally make around $42,039. Set against $24,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Evangel University admits about 72% of applicants.
Lindenwood University earned the #12 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Located in the city of Saint Charles, Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $28,000. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Lindenwood University earn a median of $35,314 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%.
Logan University earned the #13 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Logan University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Chesterfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,000. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Logan University earn a median of $48,504 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.
Missouri Valley College ranked #14 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the town of Marshall, Missouri Valley College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,700. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $28,708 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Missouri Valley College generally make around $33,892. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%.
Park University placed #15 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the suburb of Parkville, Park University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,116. Students borrow a median of $27,576 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Park University earn a median of $28,945 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Southwest Baptist University placed #16 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Set in the town of Bolivar, Southwest Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,566. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $19,550. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Southwest Baptist University generally make around $30,837. Set against $19,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Maryville University Of Saint Louis landed the #17 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,166. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Maryville University Of Saint Louis generally make around $32,480. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.
Culver Stockton College placed #18 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the rural area of Canton, Culver Stockton College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $30,875 in tuition and fees. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $27,252 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $38,725. Set against $27,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Culver Stockton College admits about 99% of applicants.
Columbia College Missouri earned the #19 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Columbia College Missouri is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Columbia. Students from in state pay about $12,276 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $29,213. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $47,962. Set against $29,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences landed the #20 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Set in the rural area of Fayette, Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $28,620. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $24,633. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $47,538. Set against $24,633 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences admits about 57% of applicants.
Westminster College Missouri earned the #21 position for value in parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies this year. Set in the town of Fulton, Westminster College Missouri is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,214. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,170 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $37,667. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Saint Louis University Main Campus is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Louis. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $26,316. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies degree recipients from Saint Louis University Main Campus generally make around $65,599. Set against $26,316 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.
Rockhurst University placed #23 among the best values for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies. Located in the city of Kansas City, Rockhurst University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,966. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $27,000. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Rockhurst University earn a median of $70,849 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
William Woods University ranked #24 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies schools. Set in the town of Fulton, William Woods University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,340 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates is $25,545. Early-career parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies graduates make about $24,329. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. William Woods University admits about 71% of applicants.
Missouri Baptist University landed the #25 spot for parks, recreation, leisure & fitness studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, Missouri Baptist University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $33,122 in tuition and fees. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates carry a median of $26,001 in student loans. Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies graduates of Missouri Baptist University earn a median of $39,737 early in their careers. Set against $26,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 26 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
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 · 26 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 26 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.
