Cheapest Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Colorado

Colorado State University Pueblo leads the state's most affordable Health and Physical Education programs at just $12,948 net cost, while Naropa University charges over $28,000 more for the same degree type. This price gap reflects Colorado's strong public university system, which benefits from the Colorado Opportunity Fund that provides tuition assistance to residents. The state's outdoor recreation economy, valued at $62 billion annually, creates steady demand for fitness professionals across ski resorts, adventure tourism companies, and wellness centers throughout the Front Range and mountain communities.

Programs

$12,948 – $28,862

Net Price Range

$30,450

Avg. Program Earnings

46.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Colorado State University Pueblo Pueblo, Colorado	$12,948	$9,401	38.0%	98.8%
2	Adams State University Alamosa, Colorado	$14,173	$9,776	31.6%	99.2%
3	Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, Colorado	$14,294	$10,780	29.9%	97.9%
4	Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, Colorado	$15,331	$9,712	41.5%	81.8%
5	Western Colorado University Gunnison, Colorado	$16,773	$11,083	50.7%	91.9%
6	Fort Lewis College Durango, Colorado	$17,339	$9,670	43.1%	91.0%
7	University of Northern Colorado Greeley, Colorado	$18,457	$12,010	51.3%	78.5%
8	Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, Colorado	$20,332	$12,896	66.9%	90.8%
9	Regis University Denver, Colorado	$22,689	$43,980	61.1%	76.1%
10	Naropa University Boulder, Colorado	$28,862	$34,600	45.9%	100.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The gap between Colorado State University Pueblo at $12,948 and Naropa University at $28,862 stems from public versus private funding structures. Public institutions receive state appropriations and benefit from the Colorado Opportunity Fund, while private schools like Naropa rely primarily on tuition revenue.

How do graduation rates vary among the most affordable options?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 29.9% at Metropolitan State University to 66.9% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Western Colorado University achieves a 50.7% graduation rate despite being relatively affordable at $16,773 net cost.

Does program affordability correlate with post-graduation earnings?

Not necessarily - Colorado State University Pueblo offers both the lowest cost and highest earnings at $33,993 annually. Adams State University costs just $1,200 more but shows significantly lower earnings at $28,019, demonstrating that price doesn't predict salary outcomes.

Where do Health and Physical Education graduates typically find work in Colorado?

Colorado's $62 billion outdoor recreation industry employs fitness professionals across ski resorts, adventure tourism, and wellness facilities. School districts throughout the state also hire physical education teachers, with Denver Public Schools being one of the largest employers.

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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.