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Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Illinois

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

Millikin University's Health and Physical Education program offers an unexpected advantage in Illinois, with graduates paying just $8,837 net annually while earning $27,681 after graduation. This private institution in Decatur significantly undercuts larger state universities on cost, creating one of the most favorable value propositions in the state. The earnings range across Illinois programs spans from $20,140 to $37,593, with Illinois State University graduates commanding the highest salaries at $37,593 annually. Chicago's healthcare sector employs thousands of fitness professionals and athletic trainers, while suburban wellness centers and corporate fitness programs continue expanding throughout the collar counties. Public universities like Northern Illinois and Western Illinois provide solid middle-ground options, with net costs around $12,000 and graduate earnings exceeding $31,000. The state's 20 programs show notable variation in acceptance rates, from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's selective 44.82% to Southern Illinois Edwardsville's open 97.51% admission rate.
34
Programs
$8,837 – $29,550
Net Price Range
$29,642
Avg. Program Earnings
57.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

34 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $27,681 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $11,592 $31,042 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
3 $12,909 $32,467 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
4 $12,313 $28,960 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
5 $13,696 $29,413 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
6 $15,201 $32,284 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
7 $14,093 $29,793 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
8 $18,996 $37,593 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
9 $17,324 $33,993 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
10 $18,034 $31,708 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
11 $16,177 $27,729 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
12 $18,191 $30,228 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
13 $21,063 $30,228 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
14 $18,370 $26,353 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
15 $23,033 $32,124 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
16 $24,190 $32,925 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
17 $23,529 $25,194 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
18 $21,539 $20,140 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
19 $26,788 $23,351 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
20 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
21 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
22 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
23 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
24 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
25 $17,610 $15,400 58.2%
26 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
27 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
28 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
29 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
30 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
31 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
32 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
33 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
34 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Millikin University such a strong value for health and fitness education?

Millikin University offers the lowest net cost at $8,837 annually while maintaining a respectable 59.10% graduation rate. Despite being a private institution with a sticker price of $26,892, generous financial aid brings costs down significantly. Graduates earn $27,681 on average, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio compared to other private options in Illinois.

How do public universities compare for health and physical education programs in Illinois?

Public universities generally cost between $11,592 and $18,996 net annually, with Western Illinois University offering the best public value at $11,592. Northern Illinois University graduates earn $32,467 annually, the highest among public institutions in this field. Graduation rates at public schools range from Eastern Illinois's 45.20% to University of Illinois Chicago's 60.30%.

Does Illinois State University justify its higher cost with better outcomes?

Illinois State University graduates earn $37,593 annually, the highest in the state for health and physical education programs. However, the net cost reaches $18,996, making it the most expensive public option. The 66.30% graduation rate and relatively low debt load of $19,700 help offset the higher initial investment for many students.

Where do health and fitness graduates find employment opportunities in Illinois?

Chicago's healthcare systems employ numerous athletic trainers and fitness specialists, while suburban areas offer corporate wellness positions. The state's manufacturing sector increasingly emphasizes workplace fitness programs for employee health. Rural areas need physical education teachers and community recreation coordinators, creating opportunities across different geographic regions with varying salary expectations.

What financial aid options help Illinois students afford these programs?

The Illinois MAP Grant provides need-based assistance to qualifying students attending participating colleges. Private institutions like Millikin demonstrate how institutional aid can dramatically reduce net costs from $26,892 to $8,837. Public universities typically offer lower sticker prices, with in-state tuition ranging from $12,700 at Northern Illinois to $16,021 at Illinois State.

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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.