2026 Best Value Recreation Administration Schools in Colorado

1

Red Rocks Community College
Lakewood, CO

Our analysis ranked Red Rocks Community College the best value for a degree in recreation administration in Colorado. Located in the suburb of Lakewood, Red Rocks Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,859 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,459. Recreation Administration graduates carry a median of $14,471 in student loans. Recreation Administration graduates of Red Rocks Community College earn a median of $76,340 early in their careers. Set against $14,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Mesa State College
Grand Junction, CO

Mesa State College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value recreation administration schools. Set in the city of Grand Junction, Mesa State College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,927, while out-of-state students pay about $25,124. Students borrow a median of $22,310 to complete the recreation administration program here. Soon after graduation, recreation administration degree recipients from Mesa State College generally make around $43,617. Set against $22,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mesa State College admits about 82% of applicants.

3

University Of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO

University Of Northern Colorado is a great value for students pursuing a degree in recreation administration, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Northern Colorado is a large public school located in the city of Greeley. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. Recreation Administration graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Recreation Administration graduates of University Of Northern Colorado earn a median of $35,308 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

4

Colorado State University Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Colorado State University Fort Collins earned it the #4 place for recreation administration. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public school located in the city of Fort Collins. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Recreation Administration graduates carry a median of $19,628 in student loans. Recreation Administration graduates of Colorado State University Fort Collins earn a median of $33,161 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.