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Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

The University of Florida stands out with earnings of $39,489 while maintaining a net price of just $6,351, making it a clear leader among affordable Health and Physical Education programs. Meanwhile, Texas A&M International University in Laredo offers the lowest net cost at $3,061, though graduates earn $22,420 annually. The fitness industry has grown significantly across the Sun Belt states, where many of these programs are located, as corporate wellness initiatives and youth sports programs create steady demand for qualified professionals. CUNY schools dominate the most affordable options, with Brooklyn College, Queens College, and Lehman College all maintaining net prices under $4,000. California State University campuses fill the middle tier, with programs ranging from $3,659 to $5,918 in net costs. Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Northern Kentucky's 48.3% to the University of Florida's impressive 91.5%, suggesting that program quality and student support differ significantly even among public institutions within similar price ranges.
50
Programs
$2,943 – $14,832
Net Price Range
$31,604
Avg. Program Earnings
53.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,943 $35,060 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
2 $3,830 $34,847 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
3 $4,702 $39,489 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
4 $3,482 $27,765 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
5 $3,061 $22,420 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
6 $3,659 $25,194 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
7 $4,113 $25,889 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
8 $6,351 $39,489 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
9 $5,458 $31,495 $3,148 26.8%
10 $7,168 $39,729 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
11 $9,144 $43,798 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
12 $5,671 $26,643 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
13 $5,646 $25,464 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
14 $5,918 $26,170 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
15 $6,500 $27,648 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
16 $9,104 $38,289 $8,400 53.2%
17 $6,007 $25,194 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
18 $8,463 $35,060 $6,270 40.7%
19 $6,480 $26,469 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
20 $7,599 $29,840 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
21 $10,319 $40,485 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
22 $6,747 $26,121 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
23 $10,204 $39,009 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
24 $9,110 $33,281 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
25 $8,001 $28,598 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
26 $5,825 $20,748 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
27 $9,173 $32,119 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
28 $11,056 $38,289 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
29 $11,882 $39,909 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
30 $8,155 $27,254 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
31 $10,705 $35,416 $6,900 21.5%
32 $10,044 $32,569 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
33 $10,353 $33,077 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
34 $9,055 $28,598 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
35 $8,837 $27,681 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
36 $8,327 $25,967 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
37 $10,512 $32,162 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
38 $11,408 $34,642 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
39 $10,997 $33,335 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
40 $10,089 $30,305 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
41 $11,276 $33,459 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
42 $8,931 $26,498 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
43 $11,234 $33,258 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
44 $10,550 $30,891 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
45 $10,170 $29,540 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
46 $14,832 $42,495 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
47 $10,011 $28,443 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
48 $10,026 $28,381 $8,568 33.0%
49 $10,874 $30,771 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
50 $10,948 $30,952 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying programs?

The earnings range spans from $22,420 at Texas A&M International to $43,798 at UT Permian Basin, reflecting regional job markets and program focus. Florida graduates earning $39,489 likely benefit from the state's large tourism and recreation industry. Geographic location plays a major role, as fitness professionals in metropolitan areas typically command higher salaries than those in smaller markets.

How do CUNY schools maintain such low net prices while serving major metropolitan areas?

CUNY Brooklyn College charges just $2,943 net price while graduates earn $35,060, creating excellent value in expensive New York City. The system benefits from substantial state funding and serves primarily local students who live at home. Queens College graduates earn $34,847 with a net cost of $3,830, proving that urban public universities can deliver strong returns on investment.

Is there a connection between acceptance rates and program quality in these schools?

The University of Florida accepts only 23.35% of applicants but achieves a 91.5% graduation rate, suggesting selectivity improves outcomes. In contrast, Cal State Stanislaus accepts 96.61% of students with a 58% graduation rate. Schools with acceptance rates above 85% generally show graduation rates between 43% and 69%, indicating that open access doesn't guarantee completion.

Does choosing an online program affect earning potential in this field?

University of Florida-Online graduates earn $39,489, identical to the traditional campus program, while paying just $4,702 net price. The online format maintains the same faculty and curriculum standards as the residential program. However, hands-on training requirements in physical education may limit purely online options, making hybrid programs more common in this field.

Where do graduates typically find employment after completing these programs?

Health and physical education graduates work in public schools, community recreation centers, corporate wellness programs, and youth sports organizations. Texas programs benefit from the state's emphasis on high school athletics and growing population. California graduates often find opportunities in the entertainment industry's fitness sector, while Florida's tourism economy creates demand for resort and recreation specialists.

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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.