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University of Florida's online program delivers the most affordable Health and Physical Education degree in Florida at just $4,702 net cost, while its traditional campus charges $6,351 for identical credentials. This $1,649 difference highlights how delivery format impacts pricing across the state's 20 programs. Florida Gulf Coast University graduates earn the highest salaries at $40,485 annually, nearly double Warner University's $22,920 average. The state's massive tourism industry creates steady demand for fitness professionals, with theme parks, resorts, and wellness centers requiring trained staff year-round. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with eight of the ten cheapest schools being state institutions. Florida's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings compared to other states, making lower starting salaries more competitive than they appear.
31
Programs
$4,702 – $38,222
Net Price Range
$30,625
Avg. Program Earnings
56.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
2 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
3 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
4 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
5 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
6 $10,353 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
7 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
8 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
9 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%
10 $15,847 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
11 $18,467 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
12 $21,007 $28,160 34.9% 55.1%
13 $21,318 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
14 $22,226 $19,658 23.6% 79.3%
15 $22,527 $18,920 50.6% 71.7%
16 $22,978 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
17 $23,655 $28,222 55.5% 44.2%
18 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
19 $26,255 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
20 $29,664 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
21 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
22 $29,951 $26,610 55.9% 81.0%
23 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
24 $31,303 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
25 $32,751 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
26 $33,011 $50,374 67.6% 65.1%
27 $34,439 $24,136 44.2% 96.5%
28 $35,300 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
29 $35,634 $33,424 61.9% 26.4%
30 $36,803 $59,926 84.2% 18.9%
31 $38,222 $42,950 52.7% 80.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $25,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Public universities like University of Florida charge $4,702 net cost while private institutions like Stetson University reach $29,664. State funding allows public schools to offer lower tuition rates. Private colleges rely on tuition revenue and typically charge $18,000-$29,000 annually. The 77% acceptance rate at University of Florida Online shows competitive programs can still maintain affordability.

How do graduation rates vary between affordable and expensive programs?

University of Florida achieves a 91.5% graduation rate at $6,351 net cost, proving affordability doesn't sacrifice quality. However, Bethune-Cookman University shows just 27.8% graduation at $14,892 cost. Warner University graduates only 34.9% of students despite charging $21,007. Price alone doesn't predict success rates in health and fitness programs.

Is the $17,000 salary gap between highest and lowest earners significant?

Florida Gulf Coast graduates earn $40,485 compared to Warner University's $22,920, representing a 77% income difference. This $17,565 gap reflects program quality, alumni networks, and geographic placement. Florida's tourism and healthcare sectors pay fitness professionals competitively. The state's zero income tax policy means graduates retain more take-home pay than comparable salaries elsewhere.

Does student debt burden vary significantly across Florida programs?

Most graduates carry $15,000-$18,000 in debt from public universities, while private school debt reaches $25,000-$28,500. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University students face the highest debt at $28,494 despite being a public institution. University of Florida maintains the lowest debt burden at just $15,000. Debt-to-income ratios remain manageable given Florida's competitive job market.

Where do the most competitive admission standards exist?

Florida State University accepts only 25% of applicants while charging $10,997 annually. University of Florida admits 23.35% at $6,351 cost, making it both selective and affordable. Stetson University accepts 93.8% of students but charges $21,318. The most accessible options like Florida Atlantic University maintain 81% acceptance rates with reasonable $8,001 costs.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.