Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Georgia

Health and Physical Education programs in Georgia deliver surprisingly wide earning potential, with graduates commanding salaries from $23,456 to $33,993. The University of Georgia stands out with an 87.20% graduation rate and $32,524 median earnings, while Clayton State offers the lowest net cost at $10,145 annually. Georgia's expanding fitness industry benefits from the state's warm climate and outdoor recreation culture, plus Atlanta's role as a major corporate headquarters center where workplace wellness programs drive demand for health professionals. Public institutions dominate the value equation, with seven schools offering net costs under $17,000. The HOPE Scholarship makes these programs even more affordable for Georgia residents maintaining a 3.0 GPA, essentially covering tuition at public colleges. Private options like Berry College and Shorter University provide alternative pathways but carry higher price tags. Graduation rates vary dramatically across the state's 15 programs, ranging from 19.80% at Georgia Gwinnett College to Emory's strong 91.80%. This variation reflects different student populations and program structures rather than quality differences.

Programs

$10,145 – $35,949

Net Price Range

$28,890

Avg. Program Earnings

46.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia	$11,298	$30,119	$6,007	41.7%	89.5%
2	Augusta University Augusta, Georgia	$13,347	$31,495	$8,122	48.6%	85.5%
3	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$32,524	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
4	Clayton State University Morrow, Georgia	$10,145	$23,538	$5,068	35.4%	56.3%
5	Columbus State University Columbus, Georgia	$11,889	$24,267	$5,751	41.7%	87.8%
6	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$31,946	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
7	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$30,409	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
8	Shorter University Rome, Georgia	$16,286	$29,685	$24,044	37.1%	97.5%
9	Emory University Atlanta, Georgia	$23,911	$33,993	$60,774	91.8%	11.4%
10	Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, Georgia	$18,809	$26,353	$8,998	61.6%	80.0%
11	Berry College Mount Berry, Georgia	$21,568	$23,456	$40,416	73.9%	66.3%
12	Life University Marietta, Georgia	$30,257		$15,036	32.1%	97.8%
13	Wesleyan College Macon, Georgia	$14,528		$27,650	60.6%	66.8%
14	Georgia Gwinnett College Lawrenceville, Georgia	$11,696		$4,458	19.8%	93.6%
15	Middle Georgia State University Macon, Georgia	$13,922		$4,432	25.6%	99.7%
16	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia	$10,785		$5,009	36.8%	69.6%
17	Truett McConnell University Cleveland, Georgia	$22,328		$25,568	41.1%	80.8%
18	Toccoa Falls College Toccoa Falls, Georgia	$20,133		$23,250	46.0%	68.0%
19	Reinhardt University Waleska, Georgia	$27,769		$28,420	35.6%	62.3%
20	Piedmont University Demorest, Georgia	$20,893		$30,680	41.5%	64.4%
21	Morehouse College Atlanta, Georgia	$35,949		$31,725	52.7%	60.0%
22	Mercer University Macon, Georgia	$22,350		$40,890	73.4%	74.7%
23	Andrew College Cuthbert, Georgia	$21,934		$19,126	27.0%	49.6%
24	LaGrange College Lagrange, Georgia	$17,805		$34,540	41.8%	59.1%
25	Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, Georgia	$12,052		$4,980	31.9%	73.2%
26	Emmanuel University Franklin Springs, Georgia	$19,297		$23,664	34.6%	62.7%
27	Covenant College Lookout Mountain, Georgia	$24,832		$40,464	71.9%	84.1%
28	Brewton-Parker College Mount Vernon, Georgia	$21,983		$21,696	23.5%	94.8%
29	Brenau University Gainesville, Georgia	$20,786		$33,275	35.4%	86.6%
30	Point University West Point, Georgia	$20,752		$22,300	40.4%	24.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Emory University worth $23,911 annually for health education?

Emory combines the state's highest median earnings at $33,993 with a 91.80% graduation rate, justifying its premium cost. The private university's Atlanta location provides access to major healthcare systems and corporate wellness opportunities. Students graduate with relatively low debt at $19,500 despite the higher sticker price. Emory's rigorous 11.35% acceptance rate ensures a highly qualified student body.

How does the HOPE Scholarship impact program affordability?

Georgia residents with 3.0 GPAs receive full tuition coverage at public institutions, dramatically reducing costs. This makes schools like Clayton State effectively cost $5,068 annually for in-state students after the scholarship. The program particularly benefits health education majors at schools like Kennesaw State and Georgia Southern, where in-state tuition stays under $6,000. HOPE transforms already affordable public options into strong value propositions.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Georgia?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, though exceptions exist. Emory leads at 91.80% graduation with a $23,911 net cost, while Georgia Gwinnett's $11,696 program graduates just 19.80% of students. However, the University of Georgia achieves 87.20% graduation at only $13,816 annually. This suggests institutional support and student preparation matter more than pure spending per student.

Where do health education graduates find the best job prospects in Georgia?

Atlanta's corporate sector drives demand for workplace wellness specialists, while the state's outdoor recreation industry needs fitness professionals. Georgia's film industry, centered in Atlanta, employs health and safety coordinators on sets. The state's aging population creates opportunities in rehabilitation and senior fitness programming. Coastal areas like Savannah offer resort and hospitality fitness positions.

Is attending a private college worth the extra cost for this major?

Private colleges show mixed value propositions in Georgia's health education market. Berry College graduates earn just $23,456 despite a $21,568 net cost, while Shorter University produces $29,685 earners at $16,286 annually. Emory justifies its premium with $33,993 earnings and excellent graduation rates. Public institutions like the University of Georgia often provide better return on investment for most students.

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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.