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Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Missouri

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

Missouri Southern State University offers the state's most affordable path to a Health and Physical Education degree at just $11,653 net cost, while Maryville University graduates earn $36,312 annually at the other end of the spectrum. This $14,394 cost gap between the lowest and highest-priced programs reflects Missouri's mix of accessible public universities and specialized private institutions. The earnings potential varies significantly too, with top programs producing graduates who earn 69% more than those from lower-performing schools. Missouri's growing healthcare sector, anchored by major employers like BJC HealthCare and Cerner's health technology division, creates steady demand for fitness professionals and health educators. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with four of the top five programs charging under $15,000 annually. However, private institutions like Avila University demonstrate that higher costs can translate to better earning potential, with graduates earning $36,141 compared to the state average of $30,000 for the field.
28
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$29,732
Avg. Program Earnings
53.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,030 $27,947 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
2 $12,638 $28,753 $9,800 39.8%
3 $11,653 $26,121 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
4 $16,939 $36,141 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
5 $14,532 $29,685 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
6 $15,336 $30,119 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
7 $17,945 $33,993 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
8 $18,516 $31,067 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
9 $21,082 $33,993 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
10 $17,502 $25,525 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
11 $26,047 $36,312 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
12 $23,165 $30,988 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
13 $22,080 $28,236 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
14 $25,807 $32,569 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
15 $22,270 $27,295 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
16 $21,523 $25,194 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
17 $18,705 $21,508 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
18 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
19 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
20 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
21 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
22 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
23 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
24 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
25 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
26 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
27 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
28 $12,860 $13,692 52.6% 63.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Missouri Southern State University the best value option?

Missouri Southern charges just $11,653 net cost while maintaining a 99.48% acceptance rate, making it accessible to nearly all applicants. Graduates earn $26,121 annually, providing a solid return on the lowest investment in the state. The university's location in Joplin positions students near Missouri's healthcare corridor. Despite the low cost, the program maintains reasonable outcomes for budget-conscious students.

How do private university outcomes compare to public options?

Private institutions like Maryville University and Avila University produce graduates earning $36,312 and $36,141 respectively, compared to public school averages around $28,000. However, private programs cost $16,000 to $26,000 more annually than public alternatives. Maryville achieves a 71.5% graduation rate with relatively low debt at $15,867. The higher earnings often offset the increased investment over a career span.

Is Truman State University worth considering despite higher selectivity?

Truman accepts only 45.05% of applicants but offers strong value at $12,030 net cost with a 68.4% graduation rate. Graduates earn $27,947 annually while carrying $21,500 in debt, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. The university's academic reputation in Kirksville attracts students seeking rigorous preparation. Its selectivity ensures smaller class sizes and more competitive peer groups.

Does Missouri's job market support Health and Physical Education graduates?

Missouri's healthcare sector employs over 300,000 people, with major systems like BJC HealthCare creating demand for wellness coordinators and health educators. The state's aging population drives need for fitness professionals and rehabilitation specialists. Corporate wellness programs at companies like Cerner and Monsanto provide additional career paths. Starting salaries range from $21,508 to $36,312 depending on the program and employer type.

Where can students find the best graduation rates in this field?

Rockhurst University leads with a 75.6% graduation rate, followed by Maryville at 71.5% and Truman State at 68.4%. These three schools also maintain strong earning outcomes for graduates. Public universities like Missouri State Springfield achieve 57.3% graduation rates at lower costs. Students should weigh graduation likelihood against program cost when making decisions.

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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.