Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts public universities deliver strong value for Health and Physical Education students, with Fitchburg State University leading at just $15,432 net cost while producing graduates earning $32,032 annually. The $23,892 gap between the most affordable option and priciest program at Endicott College reflects the stark divide between public and private pricing in the state. UMass Amherst stands out with the highest graduate earnings at $39,523, paired with an 83.20% graduation rate that nearly doubles some competitors. The state's thriving healthcare sector, anchored by top-tier medical centers like Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital, creates abundant opportunities for fitness professionals and health educators. With MassGrant Plus supporting in-state students, public options become even more attractive for those entering a field where starting salaries typically range from $21,508 to $39,523.

Programs

$15,432 – $39,324

Net Price Range

$33,676

Avg. Program Earnings

60.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, Massachusetts	$15,432	$32,032	$11,046	52.7%	86.1%
2	University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, Massachusetts	$18,282	$36,717	$15,496	51.1%	80.8%
3	Westfield State University Westfield, Massachusetts	$18,561	$31,647	$11,882	54.9%	81.5%
4	Salem State University Salem, Massachusetts	$18,441	$31,265	$11,978	55.0%	92.7%
5	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, Massachusetts	$23,691	$39,523	$17,357	83.2%	63.5%
6	Lasell University Newton, Massachusetts	$24,944	$36,717	$26,000	53.2%	73.2%
7	Nichols College Dudley, Massachusetts	$31,065	$35,060	$40,375	63.6%	84.9%
8	Springfield College Springfield, Massachusetts	$29,187	$32,925	$43,707	67.6%	75.6%
9	Endicott College Beverly, Massachusetts	$39,324	$39,369	$39,212	75.4%	73.3%
10	Regis College Weston, Massachusetts	$28,346	$21,508	$47,770	69.5%	88.8%
11	Merrimack College North Andover, Massachusetts	$37,899		$51,786	72.1%	74.6%
12	Bentley University Waltham, Massachusetts	$38,787		$58,150	88.2%	57.9%
13	Western New England University Springfield, Massachusetts	$31,170		$46,430	63.9%	88.0%
14	Simmons University Boston, Massachusetts	$27,313		$45,538	71.2%	76.5%
15	Dean College Franklin, Massachusetts	$30,236		$44,960	43.2%	76.0%
16	College of Our Lady of the Elms Chicopee, Massachusetts	$21,436		$42,061	64.7%	90.9%
17	Eastern Nazarene College Quincy, Massachusetts	$17,733		$28,610	35.3%	61.9%
18	American International College Springfield, Massachusetts	$25,299		$42,970	42.3%	89.4%
19	University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, Massachusetts	$18,627		$16,570	70.1%	86.0%
20	Hampshire College Amherst, Massachusetts	$25,810		$56,630	57.2%	68.9%
21	Emmanuel College Boston, Massachusetts	$31,569		$46,686	65.8%	79.7%
22	Fisher College Boston, Massachusetts	$25,702		$35,013	28.4%	74.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UMass Amherst worth the higher cost for Health and Physical Education students?

UMass Amherst graduates earn $39,523 annually, the highest among all programs in the state. The university's 83.20% graduation rate significantly outperforms most alternatives, with some schools graduating only 43-55% of students. Despite a $23,691 net cost, the earning potential and completion rates justify the investment for many students.

How much can students save by choosing public over private programs?

Public universities offer substantial savings, with net costs ranging from $15,432 to $23,691 compared to private institutions charging $24,944 to $39,324. Fitchburg State University provides the best value at $15,432, while private options like Endicott College cost $23,892 more annually. Over four years, this difference can exceed $95,000 in total expenses.

Is the job market strong for Health and Physical Education graduates in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts offers excellent opportunities with its concentration of healthcare systems, sports medicine facilities, and fitness centers throughout the Boston metro area. Graduate earnings range from $21,508 to $39,523, reflecting the varied career paths available. The state's emphasis on healthcare innovation creates additional roles in corporate wellness and rehabilitation services.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in these programs?

Higher-priced programs generally show better completion rates, though exceptions exist. Bentley University achieves an 88.20% graduation rate while UMass Amherst reaches 83.20% at a lower cost. However, several schools with moderate pricing like Dean College graduate only 43.20% of students, making cost alone an unreliable predictor of success.

Where can students find the most affordable in-state tuition for this major?

Fitchburg State University offers the lowest in-state tuition at $11,046, followed closely by Westfield State at $11,882. Salem State charges $11,978 for residents, making these three the most budget-friendly options. All three maintain acceptance rates above 80%, providing accessible entry points for Massachusetts residents.

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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.