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Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Kansas

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

Health and Physical Education programs in Kansas present a striking cost divide, with net prices ranging from $12,473 at Central Christian College to $29,520 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Washburn University stands out with graduates earning $35,060 annually while maintaining a net cost of just $13,046, creating the strongest return on investment in the state. The earnings potential varies significantly across institutions, from $20,140 at Pittsburg State to the top-earning Washburn figure. Kansas fitness professionals benefit from the state's agricultural economy and growing wellness industry, particularly around urban centers like Wichita and Kansas City suburbs. Public universities generally offer better value propositions, with in-state tuition under $12,000 at most institutions. However, graduation rates tell a complex story, ranging from 23% at Central Christian College to 70.5% at Kansas State University. The Kansas Promise Act's coverage of community college tuition creates additional pathways into fitness careers, though these four-year programs remain the primary route for full health education credentials.
21
Programs
$12,473 – $33,243
Net Price Range
$28,036
Avg. Program Earnings
45.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,046 $35,060 $9,578 52.6%
2 $13,776 $32,498 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
3 $17,365 $32,569 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
4 $12,473 $21,234 $21,000 23.0%
5 $17,883 $26,063 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
6 $22,500 $30,228 $33,900 59.4% 91.8%
7 $22,403 $29,685 $32,200 29.0% 61.1%
8 $25,752 $32,711 $32,748 61.5% 63.3%
9 $24,392 $30,771 $34,002 43.1% 97.2%
10 $28,083 $32,391 $35,300 28.7% 78.2%
11 $19,868 $22,771 $35,050 32.9% 52.7%
12 $23,369 $25,194 $33,470 38.5% 69.6%
13 $18,889 $20,140 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
14 $27,310 $26,739 $38,480 33.5% 70.2%
15 $29,520 $22,485 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%
16 $33,243 $14,400 33.3% 86.7%
17 $24,837 $35,162 52.0% 65.9%
18 $23,335 $33,890 44.1% 81.9%
19 $15,686 $10,950 28.6%
20 $29,203 $31,946 28.7% 66.0%
21 $27,477 $34,800 65.1% 98.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $22,000 difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Central Christian College offers the lowest net cost at $12,473, while MidAmerica Nazarene reaches $29,520 annually. Private colleges typically charge $32,000-$38,000 in sticker prices compared to public institutions under $12,000 for in-state students. However, financial aid packages at private schools can sometimes bridge this gap, though not enough to match public university affordability.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Kansas health education?

Higher-cost programs don't guarantee better completion rates in Kansas health education. Sterling College charges $32,200 but graduates only 29% of students, while Kansas State costs $10,942 with a 70.5% graduation rate. Central Christian College shows the most concerning pattern with 23% graduation despite relatively low costs. The data suggests institutional support matters more than tuition levels.

Is Washburn University really the best value for health and fitness education?

Washburn delivers the highest graduate earnings at $35,060 while keeping net costs at $13,046, creating strong value. This represents nearly $15,000 more in annual earnings than Pittsburg State graduates while costing only $5,000 more per year. The 52.6% graduation rate falls below state flagship levels but remains reasonable given the strong earning outcomes.

Does Kansas State University justify its higher cost compared to other public options?

Kansas State charges $17,883 net cost compared to $13,776 at Wichita State, but graduates earn $26,063 versus $32,498 respectively. This makes Wichita State the better financial choice despite Kansas State's superior 70.5% graduation rate. The $6,400 earnings gap doesn't offset the modest cost difference over a career timeline.

Where do private college graduates compete best in Kansas fitness markets?

Friends University graduates earn $32,711 annually, matching public university levels while paying $25,752 net costs. Baker University produces $30,228 earners but at $22,500 net cost, offering reasonable private school value. Most other private institutions struggle to justify their premium pricing, with graduates earning $22,000-$30,000 range that public universities match for less money.

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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.