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Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Virginia

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

Health and Physical Education programs in Virginia reveal stark contrasts in return on investment, with earnings spanning from $16,478 to $37,208 annually. George Mason University leads graduate earnings at $37,208 while maintaining reasonable debt levels at $21,651, making it a standout choice for aspiring fitness professionals. The University of Virginia's College at Wise offers the lowest net price at $11,180, though this comes with a 49.80% graduation rate that requires careful consideration. Virginia's proximity to major healthcare systems like Inova Health and military installations creates strong demand for fitness and wellness professionals, particularly in Northern Virginia's government contractor market. Private institutions show mixed results, with some like Bridgewater College offering competitive net prices around $20,173 despite higher sticker prices. The state's 20 programs span from highly selective options like UVA Main Campus with an 18.66% acceptance rate to more accessible choices like Liberty University accepting 99.29% of applicants.
21
Programs
$11,180 – $32,145
Net Price Range
$29,122
Avg. Program Earnings
56.8%
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 $11,180 $30,228 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
2 $18,287 $37,208 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
3 $20,814 $36,668 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
4 $21,816 $36,368 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
5 $20,173 $31,042 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%
6 $22,881 $33,993 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
7 $22,529 $28,598 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
8 $18,436 $22,771 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
9 $23,262 $25,194 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
10 $27,786 $28,598 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
11 $29,552 $26,248 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
12 $32,145 $25,194 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
13 $22,198 $16,478 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%
14 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
15 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
16 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
17 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
18 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
19 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
20 $30,055 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
21 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Virginia fitness program graduates?

Graduate earnings range dramatically from $16,478 at Bluefield University to $37,208 at George Mason University, reflecting regional job market differences and program focus areas. Northern Virginia graduates benefit from higher-paying positions with government contractors and healthcare systems, while rural areas offer fewer high-salary opportunities. George Mason's proximity to the DC metro area and major employers like Northrop Grumman creates access to corporate wellness positions that command premium salaries. The $20,730 earnings difference between top and bottom performers highlights the importance of location in career outcomes.

How do Virginia's public universities compare for fitness program value?

Public institutions dominate the value equation, with UVA Wise offering the lowest net price at $11,180 and James Madison delivering strong outcomes at $21,816 net cost. George Mason stands out with $37,208 graduate earnings against an $18,287 net price, representing strong value for in-state students paying just $13,815. James Madison combines solid earnings of $36,368 with an impressive 80.90% graduation rate and manageable debt of $19,500. The public advantage becomes clear when comparing in-state costs, which range from $9,910 at Norfolk State to $25,040 at William & Mary.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Virginia fitness programs?

Higher graduation rates generally align with increased costs, but notable exceptions challenge this pattern. UVA Main Campus achieves a 95.30% graduation rate at $22,881 net cost, while Bluefield University struggles with just 27.10% completion despite a moderate $22,198 price tag. James Madison delivers 80.90% graduation rates at competitive pricing, proving that cost doesn't always determine outcomes. Private colleges show inconsistent results, with graduation rates ranging from 27.10% to 65.90% despite similar net costs around $20,000-$30,000.

Is debt load manageable for Virginia fitness program graduates?

Debt levels remain reasonable across most programs, ranging from $19,500 at James Madison to $27,000 at several institutions including Longwood, Averett, and Roanoke College. The debt-to-earnings ratios look favorable at top-performing schools, with George Mason graduates earning $37,208 against $21,651 in debt. James Madison offers particularly strong value with $36,368 earnings and only $19,500 debt burden. Even at schools with lower earnings like Averett ($25,194), the $27,000 debt load remains within federal borrowing guidelines for undergraduate students.

Where do Virginia fitness graduates find the best employment opportunities?

Northern Virginia's government contractor corridor and healthcare systems provide the highest-paying opportunities, explaining George Mason's $37,208 graduate earnings. Major employers like Inova Health, Northrop Grumman, and Booz Allen increasingly invest in employee wellness programs that require qualified fitness professionals. Military installations throughout Virginia create demand for physical training specialists and recreation coordinators. The state's growing senior population also drives demand for adapted fitness specialists, particularly in areas like Virginia Beach and Richmond where graduates can access varied employment settings from hospitals to private training facilities.

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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.