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Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in West Virginia

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

Marshall University delivers the strongest value proposition for Health and Physical Education majors in West Virginia, charging just $8,327 net price while graduates earn $25,967 annually. The $13,670 gap between the most affordable public option and most expensive private program reflects stark differences in accessibility across the state's 11 programs. West Virginia's aging population and rural healthcare needs create steady demand for fitness professionals who can address chronic conditions through preventive care. American Public University System stands out with $38,289 in graduate earnings, nearly double the state's lowest figure, though private institutions generally carry higher debt loads averaging $27,000.
11
Programs
$8,327 – $22,012
Net Price Range
$29,464
Avg. Program Earnings
45.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,104 $38,289 $8,400 53.2%
2 $9,055 $28,598 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
3 $8,327 $25,967 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
4 $12,997 $34,526 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
5 $16,295 $33,281 $8,732 60.6% 74.1%
6 $10,191 $18,771 $9,049 33.5% 96.2%
7 $18,148 $29,929 $33,494 49.5% 96.4%
8 $22,012 $26,353 $32,842 46.3% 67.7%
9 $19,428 $31,270 36.6% 75.3%
10 $16,358 $9,412 35.5%
11 $19,040 $29,475 32.0% 72.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the $29,518 earnings gap between the highest and lowest performing programs?

American Public University System graduates earn $38,289 annually compared to West Virginia State University's $18,771, reflecting different career preparation approaches. The online format at American Public may attract working professionals seeking advancement, while traditional campus programs often serve recent high school graduates entering entry-level positions.

How do West Virginia's public universities compare on graduation rates for this major?

West Virginia University leads public institutions with a 61.2% graduation rate, followed by West Liberty at 60.6%. Marshall University and Fairmont State cluster near 48%, while West Virginia State University reports just 33.5% completion rates.

Is the PROMISE Scholarship effective for reducing costs in these programs?

The PROMISE Scholarship covers full tuition at public institutions, making programs like Marshall University extremely affordable at $8,327 net price. This state aid explains why public options cost $8,000-$16,000 while private colleges charge $18,000-$22,000 annually.

Does debt load correlate with program outcomes in West Virginia?

Students at private institutions typically graduate with $27,000 in debt regardless of earnings potential. Public university graduates carry less debt, ranging from $18,240 at Fairmont State to $27,000 at West Liberty, with no clear relationship to post-graduation income levels.

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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.