Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Arkansas

Arkansas State University delivers the strongest value proposition for Health and Physical Education students, charging just $13,085 in net costs while graduates earn $29,141 annually. This $16,056 earnings premium over net costs reflects smart positioning in Arkansas's growing wellness sector. The state's 15 programs show dramatic cost variation, with private institutions like Ecclesia College at $24,294 compared to public options under $18,000. Arkansas's corporate wellness initiatives, driven by major employers like Walmart and Tyson Foods investing in employee health programs, create steady demand for fitness professionals. University of Central Arkansas graduates command the highest salaries at $38,491, though students pay $16,775 in net costs. The state's low living expenses mean education dollars stretch further, while graduation rates span from 26% to 71% across institutions.

Programs

$13,085 – $24,294

Net Price Range

$29,465

Avg. Program Earnings

51.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, Arkansas	$14,013	$35,330	$8,868	43.3%
2	University of Central Arkansas Conway, Arkansas	$16,775	$38,491	$10,118	53.3%	91.2%
3	Arkansas State University Jonesboro, Arkansas	$13,085	$29,141	$7,754	55.1%	69.5%
4	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas	$17,525	$33,281	$9,748	70.0%	78.9%
5	Philander Smith University Little Rock, Arkansas	$15,360	$20,140	$13,014	32.3%
6	Harding University Searcy, Arkansas	$20,579	$23,906	$24,888	70.9%	45.1%
7	Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, Arkansas	$22,355	$25,967	$32,480	70.3%	72.3%
8	Lyon College Batesville, Arkansas	$22,670		$31,000	55.9%	59.8%
9	Central Baptist College Conway, Arkansas	$16,664		$19,680	35.3%	63.9%
10	Crowley's Ridge College Paragould, Arkansas	$17,236		$16,440	26.1%
11	Hendrix College Conway, Arkansas	$23,409		$36,650	69.2%	60.3%
12	John Brown University Siloam Springs, Arkansas	$21,144		$30,832	66.8%	56.6%
13	Williams Baptist University Walnut Ridge, Arkansas	$15,875		$20,330	35.9%	59.3%
14	Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia, Arkansas	$15,944		$9,820	46.5%	63.6%
15	Ecclesia College Springdale, Arkansas	$24,294		$16,850	36.5%	55.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $11,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Arkansas State University charges $13,085 net compared to Ecclesia College at $24,294, reflecting the public-private divide. Public institutions benefit from state funding, keeping costs lower for residents. Private colleges often provide more individual attention but at higher price points. The $9,748 in-state tuition at University of Arkansas shows how residency status significantly impacts affordability.

How do Arkansas fitness graduate salaries compare to program costs?

University of Central Arkansas graduates earn $38,491 annually against $16,775 in net costs, creating a strong return ratio. Arkansas State offers the best cost-to-earnings spread with $29,141 salaries for $13,085 investment. However, Philander Smith graduates earn just $20,140, barely covering the $15,360 program cost. Most programs show positive returns within the first few years of employment.

Is there a connection between program cost and graduation success rates?

Higher-cost programs generally achieve better graduation rates, with University of Arkansas at $17,525 posting 70% graduation compared to Crowley's Ridge College at 26%. However, Arkansas State breaks this pattern with 55% graduation rates despite the lowest net cost at $13,085. The data suggests institutional support matters more than price alone. Debt levels ranging from $19,500 to $25,000 show manageable borrowing across most programs.

Where do Arkansas fitness graduates find the best employment opportunities?

Corporate wellness programs at major employers like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and Dillard's create substantial job demand in Northwest and Central Arkansas. School districts statewide need physical education teachers, while the tourism industry around Hot Springs and Buffalo National River requires recreation specialists. The state's growing healthcare sector also employs fitness professionals in rehabilitation and wellness centers. Arkansas's low cost of living allows fitness salaries to provide comfortable lifestyles.

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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.