Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's Health and Physical Education programs reveal stark value differences, with net costs ranging from $6,352 at Southeastern Oklahoma State to $23,678 at University of Tulsa. Southern Nazarene University graduates earn $38,289 annually, outpacing the state median by nearly 50%, while some programs show concerning earnings below $25,000. The state's growing healthcare sector, which employs over 200,000 workers, creates demand for fitness professionals in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and corporate wellness programs. Public universities dominate affordability, with most charging under $12,000 net cost, making fitness education accessible through Oklahoma's Promise scholarships. However, graduation rates vary dramatically from 12.7% to 75.3%, suggesting program quality differences that impact career prospects. Oklahoma's energy industry also drives demand for occupational health specialists and corporate fitness coordinators.

Programs

$6,352 – $26,827

Net Price Range

$30,039

Avg. Program Earnings

39.8%

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	Cameron University Lawton, Oklahoma	$10,705	$35,416	$6,900	21.5%
2	East Central University Ada, Oklahoma	$9,287	$25,580	$8,032	32.7%	70.1%
3	Southern Nazarene University Bethany, Oklahoma	$17,838	$38,289	$29,600	48.8%
4	Northeastern State University Tahlequah, Oklahoma	$11,800	$24,615	$7,513	37.2%	99.5%
5	University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, Oklahoma	$17,413	$29,374	$9,595	75.3%	72.9%
6	University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, Oklahoma	$18,990	$31,133	$8,522	37.5%	69.9%
7	Oklahoma Christian University Edmond, Oklahoma	$21,423	$33,993	$25,900	55.2%	96.0%
8	Oral Roberts University Tulsa, Oklahoma	$23,600	$32,569	$34,100	53.9%	78.4%
9	Southwestern Christian University Bethany, Oklahoma	$19,692	$23,649	$21,316	12.7%
10	University of Tulsa Tulsa, Oklahoma	$23,678	$25,774	$48,602	73.3%	69.2%
11	Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater, Oklahoma	$16,378		$10,234	65.9%	70.6%
12	Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, Oklahoma	$14,542		$8,295	34.7%	76.8%
13	Southeastern Oklahoma State University Durant, Oklahoma	$6,352		$7,200	33.3%	74.2%
14	University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Chickasha, Oklahoma	$8,543		$9,000	36.3%	56.3%
15	Rogers State University Claremore, Oklahoma	$13,953		$7,392	25.4%
16	Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	$21,556		$33,586	64.2%	70.4%
17	Oklahoma Baptist University Shawnee, Oklahoma	$23,880		$34,050	49.7%	47.3%
18	Bacone College Muskogee, Oklahoma	$12,197		$15,060	2.4%
19	Oklahoma Panhandle State University Goodwell, Oklahoma	$7,557		$7,922	26.1%
20	Randall University Moore, Oklahoma	$16,474		$17,322	20.5%	42.9%
21	Oklahoma Wesleyan University Bartlesville, Oklahoma	$26,827		$31,466	28.4%	52.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $17,000 gap between cheapest and most expensive programs?

Public universities like Southeastern Oklahoma State keep net costs around $6,352 through state funding and low tuition. Private institutions like University of Tulsa charge $23,678 despite offering similar fitness education programs. The cost difference reflects funding sources rather than program quality, as evidenced by varied graduation rates across both sectors.

How do Oklahoma fitness program earnings compare to state employment markets?

Health and Physical Education graduates earn $23,649 to $38,289 annually, with Southern Nazarene leading at $38,289. Oklahoma's median household income sits around $54,000, making fitness careers viable but requiring dual incomes in many cases. The state's healthcare growth and corporate wellness expansion create opportunities beyond traditional teaching roles.

Is Cameron University worth considering despite its 21.5% graduation rate?

Cameron offers a $10,705 net cost and produces graduates earning $35,416, ranking second in earnings statewide. The 21.5% graduation rate reflects broader retention challenges rather than program weakness. Students completing the program achieve strong employment outcomes in Oklahoma's fitness and recreation sectors.

Does University of Oklahoma justify its higher costs through better outcomes?

OU charges $17,413 net cost but delivers a 75.3% graduation rate, the highest among public options. Graduates earn $29,374 annually with $21,508 average debt, creating manageable debt-to-income ratios. The Norman campus provides access to major medical centers and research facilities that improve career preparation.

Where do Oklahoma fitness graduates find employment beyond schools?

Oklahoma's energy companies employ corporate wellness coordinators, while Tinker Air Force Base requires fitness specialists for military personnel. The state's expanding healthcare system, including major hospitals in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, seeks rehabilitation and therapeutic fitness professionals. Corporate wellness programs serve the state's growing insurance and aerospace industries.

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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.