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Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Florida

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

The University of Florida's online program delivers the state's best value in Health and Physical Education at just $4,702 net cost while graduates earn $39,489 annually. This creates a stark contrast with private options like Palm Beach Atlantic University at $32,751 net cost for lower earnings of $29,685. Florida's tourism and healthcare sectors provide natural career paths for fitness professionals, from resort wellness programs to corporate health initiatives. The state's public universities dominate the value equation, with seven of the top eight spots offering net costs under $11,000. Florida State University stands out with an 83% graduation rate despite selective 25% acceptance, while Florida Gulf Coast University graduates achieve the highest earnings at $40,485. The Bright Futures scholarship program helps qualifying students attend these programs with even lower out-of-pocket costs, making Florida an attractive destination for aspiring fitness professionals who want to minimize debt while maximizing career potential.
31
Programs
$4,702 – $38,222
Net Price Range
$30,625
Avg. Program Earnings
56.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,702 $39,489 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
2 $6,351 $39,489 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
3 $10,319 $40,485 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
4 $8,001 $28,598 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
5 $8,155 $27,254 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
6 $10,353 $33,077 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
7 $10,997 $33,335 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
8 $18,467 $33,138 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
9 $21,318 $36,312 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
10 $26,255 $35,864 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
11 $22,978 $28,753 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
12 $29,951 $32,925 $26,610 55.9% 81.0%
13 $21,007 $22,920 $28,160 34.9% 55.1%
14 $29,932 $31,133 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
15 $32,751 $29,685 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
16 $36,803 $30,771 $59,926 84.2% 18.9%
17 $35,634 $25,525 $33,424 61.9% 26.4%
18 $31,303 $21,781 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
19 $34,439 $23,649 $24,136 44.2% 96.5%
20 $38,222 $18,309 $42,950 52.7% 80.1%
21 $29,664 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
22 $35,300 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
23 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
24 $22,527 $18,920 50.6% 71.7%
25 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
26 $15,847 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
27 $33,011 $50,374 67.6% 65.1%
28 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
29 $22,226 $19,658 23.6% 79.3%
30 $23,655 $28,222 55.5% 44.2%
31 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Florida's online program such an outstanding value?

The online program costs just $4,702 annually while graduates earn $39,489, creating one of the best return-on-investment ratios in the state. Students pay $1,826 less than the traditional campus program but achieve identical earning outcomes. The 77.7% graduation rate demonstrates strong student support despite the online format. This combination of low cost and high earnings makes it the clear value leader among Florida's Health and Physical Education programs.

How do graduation rates vary between public and private programs?

Public universities show a wide range from University of Florida's excellent 91.5% rate down to Florida Gulf Coast's 56% rate. Private institutions typically perform worse, with Barry University graduating only 36.6% of students and Webber International at 26%. Florida State University achieves 83% graduation despite being highly selective with 25% acceptance. The data suggests that selectivity and institutional resources matter more than public versus private status for student success.

Does attending a more expensive private school lead to higher earnings?

Not necessarily in Florida's Health and Physical Education field. Florida Gulf Coast University graduates earn the highest salaries at $40,485 despite costing just $10,319 annually. Meanwhile, Palm Beach Atlantic University charges $32,751 but graduates earn only $29,685. Stetson University provides the best private option with $36,312 earnings, though it costs $21,318 annually. The data shows that employer demand and regional job markets matter more than tuition price for salary outcomes.

Where do the lowest and highest debt loads occur among these programs?

Most public universities maintain debt levels around $15,000 to $18,925, with University of Florida, Florida Gulf Coast, and University of North Florida all at $15,000. Private institutions typically saddle students with $25,000 in debt across multiple schools including Saint Leo, Stetson, Jacksonville, and Barry universities. Webber International creates the highest burden at $26,050 in debt while producing some of the lowest graduation rates at 26%. Warner University offers a middle path at $21,007 net cost but still results in $25,500 debt.

Is Florida State University worth its competitive admission process?

Yes, for students who can gain admission to its 25% acceptance rate program. FSU graduates earn $33,335 annually while paying $10,997 net cost, and the program maintains an impressive 83% graduation rate. The debt load stays reasonable at $16,169, lower than most private alternatives. Students benefit from strong alumni networks and the university's reputation with Florida employers. However, the selective admission means most applicants need backup options among the state's other quality programs.

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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.