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Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Community colleges and regional state universities dominate the most affordable Health and Physical Education programs nationwide, with costs ranging from just $2,943 at CUNY Brooklyn College to $6,351 at the high end. The CUNY system particularly stands out, placing three campuses among the top five most affordable options while maintaining solid graduation rates above 49%. California State University campuses fill much of the remaining market, though their graduates face a challenging reality with some earning as little as $20,748 annually at CSU Bakersfield. The fitness industry employs over 350,000 people nationally, with growth concentrated in corporate wellness programs and specialized training facilities that increasingly value formal education credentials. Berea College breaks the mold as the only private institution making this list, thanks to its unique work-study program that eliminates tuition costs for all students. Regional employment patterns show that graduates often find opportunities in school districts, recreation centers, and the growing field of occupational health, where physical education expertise translates directly into workplace wellness initiatives.
50
Programs
$2,943 – $8,931
Net Price Range
$29,069
Avg. Program Earnings
45.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
2 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
3 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
4 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
5 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
6 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
7 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
8 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
9 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
10 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
11 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
12 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
13 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
14 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
15 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
16 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
17 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
18 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
19 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
20 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
21 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
22 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
23 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
24 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
25 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
26 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
27 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
28 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
29 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
30 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
31 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
32 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
33 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
34 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
35 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
36 $7,871 $26,300 23.5%
37 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
38 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
39 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
40 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
41 $8,365 $7,050 35.5% 57.7%
42 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
43 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
44 $8,543 $9,000 36.3% 56.3%
45 $8,624 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
46 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
47 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
48 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
49 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
50 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable for Health and Physical Education programs?

CUNY Brooklyn College, Lehman College, and Queens College offer net costs between $2,943 and $3,830 due to substantial state funding and need-based aid packages. These schools maintain graduation rates from 49% to 60%, with Brooklyn College graduates earning $35,060 annually on average. The CUNY system serves over 270,000 students across New York City, creating economies of scale that keep costs low while providing access to major metropolitan fitness and recreation employers.

How do California State University earnings compare across different campuses?

CSU graduates in Health and Physical Education face significant earning variations, from $20,748 at Bakersfield to $26,643 at Stanislaus. Fullerton leads with a 69.2% graduation rate despite similar costs to other CSU campuses around $5,600-$5,900 net price. Location plays a major role, as campuses near larger metropolitan areas like Los Angeles typically offer more internship opportunities and higher-paying positions in corporate fitness centers.

Is University of Florida-Online worth considering for out-of-state students?

UF Online charges just $3,876 in-state tuition with a $4,702 net cost, making it competitive even for non-residents when factoring in living expenses. The program boasts a 77.7% graduation rate, the highest among affordable options, and graduates earn $39,489 annually on average. With 64.64% acceptance rate, the online format eliminates geographic barriers while maintaining access to Florida's solid recreation and tourism industry connections.

Does Berea College provide good value despite being private?

Berea College eliminates tuition through its work-study program, resulting in a $4,483 net cost that competes directly with public institutions. The school maintains a 62% graduation rate with highly selective 24.58% admissions, creating a unique opportunity for students who qualify. Every student works 10-15 hours weekly in campus jobs, gaining practical experience that often translates to leadership roles in recreation and fitness management.

Where do graduates typically find employment in Health and Physical Education?

School districts remain the largest employer, hiring over 100,000 physical education teachers nationally, though many require additional teaching certification beyond the degree. Corporate wellness programs represent the fastest-growing segment, with companies investing $3.6 billion annually in employee fitness initiatives. Recreation centers, youth sports organizations, and specialized fitness facilities also actively recruit graduates, particularly those with hands-on experience from work-study or internship programs during college.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.