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Cheapest Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

The most affordable Health and Physical Education programs reveal striking geographic patterns, with California State schools dominating the middle tier while CUNY Brooklyn College claims the top spot at just $2,943 net cost. This affordability gap becomes more pronounced when comparing graduation rates, as University of Florida-Online achieves a 77.7% completion rate despite charging $4,702 annually. The fitness industry continues expanding across the Sun Belt states, where employers seek graduates trained in exercise science and wellness programming. Texas markets show particular promise, though earnings vary dramatically from $22,420 at Texas A&M International to over $39,000 for Florida online graduates. California's extensive state university network provides multiple entry points into fitness careers, though graduation rates range from 46.9% to 69.2% across campuses. These programs prepare students for roles in corporate wellness, community recreation, and school athletics, fields experiencing steady growth as health consciousness rises nationwide.
50
Programs
$2,943 – $8,931
Net Price Range
$29,069
Avg. Program Earnings
45.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
2 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
3 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
4 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
5 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
6 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
7 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
8 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
9 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
10 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
11 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
12 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
13 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
14 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
15 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
16 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
17 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
18 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
19 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
20 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
21 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
22 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
23 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
24 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
25 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
26 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
27 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
28 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
29 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
30 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
31 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
32 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
33 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
34 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
35 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
36 $7,871 $26,300 23.5%
37 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
38 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
39 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
40 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
41 $8,365 $7,050 35.5% 57.7%
42 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
43 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
44 $8,543 $9,000 36.3% 56.3%
45 $8,624 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
46 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
47 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
48 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
49 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
50 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $3,408 difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

CUNY Brooklyn College charges $2,943 while California State University-San Bernardino costs $5,918, reflecting different state funding models and regional living costs. New York's CUNY system maintains lower net prices through substantial state subsidies and need-based aid. California State schools cluster between $3,659 and $5,918, showing more consistent pricing across their 23-campus network. Private Berea College breaks this pattern at $4,483 due to its unique work-study program that eliminates tuition for all students.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in this field?

University of Florida-Online achieves the highest graduation rate at 77.7% while charging $4,702, demonstrating that moderate costs can support strong outcomes. CUNY Queens College graduates 60.2% of students at $3,830, while Texas A&M International shows 48.9% completion at just $3,061. Ohio University's regional campuses struggle with 19.3% and 20.0% rates despite reasonable pricing. The data suggests institutional support matters more than raw affordability for student success.

Is there a regional advantage for Health and Physical Education graduates?

Florida-trained graduates earn $39,489 annually, the highest among all programs, reflecting the state's tourism and wellness industries. California graduates typically earn $25,000-$26,000, while Texas markets show wider variation from $22,420 to $31,495. CUNY graduates in New York earn $27,765-$35,060, benefiting from urban fitness centers and corporate wellness programs. Regional job markets clearly influence starting salaries more than program costs.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in this major?

Berea College's 24.58% acceptance rate reflects its selective admissions and full-tuition coverage, not necessarily program rigor. Most public programs accept 66% to 96% of applicants, with California State schools averaging around 85%. Texas A&M International's 47.88% rate suggests moderate selectivity despite low costs. High acceptance rates often indicate state mandates to serve regional populations rather than academic exclusivity.

Where should students focus if minimizing debt is the priority?

CUNY Lehman College graduates carry just $9,880 in average debt while charging $3,482 annually, making it the clear winner for debt-conscious students. University of Florida-Online and California State University-San Bernardino both report $15,000 average debt loads with different cost structures. Ohio University regional campuses show concerning $23,000 debt levels despite modest pricing. Students should examine total borrowing patterns, not just sticker prices, when comparing affordability.

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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.