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Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Tennessee

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

Tennessee's most affordable Health and Physical Education program costs just $10,026 at Tennessee State University, while Belmont University charges $32,096 for similar training. This price gap reflects the state's mix of public universities and private colleges serving students who want careers in fitness, recreation, and wellness. Tennessee's healthcare industry, anchored by HCA Healthcare's Nashville headquarters, creates steady demand for health education professionals and fitness specialists. Graduates earn between $21,964 and $30,353 annually, with University of Memphis leading earnings at $30,353 despite charging only $13,253 net cost. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their paychecks compared to other regions. Public universities dominate the value equation, with six schools offering programs under $16,000. Tennessee Technological University stands out with the lowest debt burden at $14,500, while maintaining a 54.2% graduation rate. Private schools like Union University achieve 70.9% graduation rates but cost significantly more, creating clear trade-offs for students weighing affordability against completion rates.
30
Programs
$10,026 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$26,923
Avg. Program Earnings
53.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,026 $28,381 $8,568 33.0%
2 $10,299 $26,799 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
3 $13,253 $30,353 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
4 $12,599 $28,816 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
5 $12,817 $29,033 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
6 $14,846 $28,180 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
7 $14,207 $24,421 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
8 $14,879 $25,194 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
9 $18,661 $29,685 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
10 $18,109 $26,907 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
11 $15,794 $23,380 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
12 $20,082 $28,598 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
13 $26,815 $28,598 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
14 $22,874 $23,538 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
15 $32,096 $21,964 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%
16 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
17 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
18 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
19 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
20 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
21 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
22 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
23 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
24 $20,303 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
25 $19,983 $20,796 61.4%
26 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
27 $18,292 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
28 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
29 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
30 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee State University the best value for Health and Physical Education?

Tennessee State University offers the lowest net cost at $10,026 while producing graduates who earn $28,381 annually. Students graduate with $28,000 in debt but benefit from strong earning potential that justifies the investment. The program combines affordability with access to Nashville's healthcare and fitness industry connections.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive programs?

Public universities show graduation rates from 33% to 73.5%, with University of Tennessee-Knoxville leading at 73.5% despite charging $18,109. Private schools achieve higher rates, like Union University's 70.9% and Belmont's 71.7%, but cost $26,815 and $32,096 respectively. Tennessee Technological University offers a middle ground with 54.2% graduation rates at $14,207 net cost.

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

Tennessee's healthcare sector, led by HCA Healthcare, creates opportunities for health educators and fitness professionals. The state's tourism industry and growing population drive demand for recreation specialists and wellness coordinators. Graduates earn $21,964 to $30,353 annually, with no state income tax increasing take-home pay compared to other states.

What debt levels should students expect from Tennessee programs?

Debt ranges from $14,500 at Tennessee Technological University to $28,000 at Tennessee State University among public schools. Private institutions show varied patterns, with Belmont University graduates carrying only $15,000 in debt despite the school's high sticker price. Most public university graduates face debt between $18,000 and $25,000 upon completion.

Where can students find the best combination of low cost and high earnings?

University of Memphis delivers the highest graduate earnings at $30,353 while charging just $13,253 net cost. University of Tennessee-Chattanooga offers strong earnings of $29,033 at $12,817 net cost with manageable $18,108 debt levels. These schools provide optimal return on investment for Health and Physical Education students.

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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.