Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in New Jersey

Saint Peter's University delivers the strongest value proposition among New Jersey's Health and Physical Education programs, with graduates earning $28,598 annually while paying just $12,973 net cost. This creates an earnings-to-cost ratio that outperforms most competitors in the state. The earnings range across New Jersey programs spans $27,280 to $36,455, reflecting the state's position as a major healthcare employer with Johnson & Johnson and Merck headquartered here. Public institutions like Montclair State ($14,159 net cost) and Kean University ($12,168) offer affordable pathways, though private options dominate the higher-earning tier. Graduation rates vary dramatically from 40.2% at Saint Elizabeth University to 85% at Rutgers-New Brunswick, suggesting program quality differences beyond cost considerations. The TAG grant helps New Jersey residents access these programs at reduced rates.

Programs

$12,168 – $41,315

Net Price Range

$31,166

Avg. Program Earnings

61.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Saint Peter's University Jersey City, New Jersey	$12,973	$28,598	$41,054	63.1%	88.8%
2	Montclair State University Montclair, New Jersey	$14,159	$28,598	$14,766	64.3%	91.3%
3	William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, New Jersey	$17,764	$32,071	$15,150	47.7%	91.5%
4	Georgian Court University Lakewood, New Jersey	$20,218	$33,993	$37,110	55.1%	75.8%
5	Seton Hall University South Orange, New Jersey	$28,921	$36,455	$51,370	71.5%	75.1%
6	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, New Jersey	$23,519	$27,280	$17,239	85.0%	66.3%
7	Caldwell University Caldwell, New Jersey	$21,188		$39,450	58.7%	66.4%
8	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Teaneck, New Jersey	$15,266		$35,822	61.7%	84.1%
9	Felician University Lodi, New Jersey	$41,315		$37,830	49.7%	89.2%
10	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus Madison, New Jersey	$24,415		$35,822	72.3%	89.1%
11	Rowan University Glassboro, New Jersey	$22,185		$15,700	68.3%	76.9%
12	Kean University Union, New Jersey	$12,168		$13,426	43.4%	82.6%
13	Monmouth University West Long Branch, New Jersey	$31,650		$44,850	70.3%	90.9%
14	Rider University Lawrenceville, New Jersey	$25,287		$38,900	63.3%	84.1%
15	Saint Elizabeth University Morristown, New Jersey	$17,949		$35,942	40.2%	71.9%
16	Stockton University Galloway, New Jersey	$19,634		$15,532	72.0%	85.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $29,147 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Kean University charges $12,168 net cost while Felician University reaches $41,315, primarily reflecting public versus private funding models. Public institutions receive state subsidies that significantly reduce student costs, while private colleges rely heavily on tuition revenue. However, this cost difference doesn't always correlate with outcomes, as Kean's 43.4% graduation rate trails significantly behind other options.

How do earnings compare between public and private Health and Physical Education programs?

Private institutions generally produce higher-earning graduates, with Seton Hall leading at $36,455 annually. Georgian Court graduates earn $33,993, while William Paterson public program graduates make $32,071. However, Saint Peter's University breaks this pattern, matching Montclair State's $28,598 earnings despite being private. The earnings range suggests that program quality and regional connections matter more than institutional type.

Is Rutgers-New Brunswick worth the higher public school cost?

Rutgers charges $23,519 net cost, substantially more than other public options like Montclair State ($14,159) or Kean ($12,168). However, graduates earn only $27,280, the lowest among measured programs. The 85% graduation rate stands out as strong, but the cost-to-earnings ratio raises questions about value for Health and Physical Education students specifically.

Where do New Jersey Health and Physical Education graduates typically find employment?

New Jersey's pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson and Merck create opportunities in corporate wellness and occupational health roles. The proximity to New York City and Philadelphia expands job markets significantly beyond traditional school-based positions. Many graduates work in community fitness centers, rehabilitation facilities, and the state's growing healthcare sector. The $27,280 to $36,455 earnings range reflects this variety of career paths and geographic opportunities.

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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.