Cheapest Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts public universities offer an unexpected path to fitness careers, with Fitchburg State delivering the strongest value at just $15,432 net cost while producing graduates who earn $32,032 annually. The state's 15 Health and Physical Education programs reveal a dramatic cost divide between public options averaging around $18,500 and private colleges climbing toward $30,000. This gap becomes critical as Massachusetts healthcare and wellness industries expand rapidly, creating demand for fitness professionals in hospitals, corporate wellness programs, and the state's growing biotech sector. Public institutions claim five of the six most affordable spots, with graduation rates spanning from 35% at Eastern Nazarene to 83% at UMass Amherst. The earnings potential varies significantly too, from $21,508 at Regis College to $39,523 at UMass Amherst, reflecting different program focuses and regional job markets. Students benefit from MassGrant Plus funding that reduces costs further for in-state residents, making public options even more attractive for those entering a field where starting salaries often require careful financial planning.

Programs

$15,432 – $39,324

Net Price Range

$33,676

Avg. Program Earnings

60.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, Massachusetts	$15,432	$11,046	52.7%	86.1%
2	Eastern Nazarene College Quincy, Massachusetts	$17,733	$28,610	35.3%	61.9%
3	University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, Massachusetts	$18,282	$15,496	51.1%	80.8%
4	Salem State University Salem, Massachusetts	$18,441	$11,978	55.0%	92.7%
5	Westfield State University Westfield, Massachusetts	$18,561	$11,882	54.9%	81.5%
6	University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, Massachusetts	$18,627	$16,570	70.1%	86.0%
7	College of Our Lady of the Elms Chicopee, Massachusetts	$21,436	$42,061	64.7%	90.9%
8	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, Massachusetts	$23,691	$17,357	83.2%	63.5%
9	Lasell University Newton, Massachusetts	$24,944	$26,000	53.2%	73.2%
10	American International College Springfield, Massachusetts	$25,299	$42,970	42.3%	89.4%
11	Fisher College Boston, Massachusetts	$25,702	$35,013	28.4%	74.2%
12	Hampshire College Amherst, Massachusetts	$25,810	$56,630	57.2%	68.9%
13	Simmons University Boston, Massachusetts	$27,313	$45,538	71.2%	76.5%
14	Regis College Weston, Massachusetts	$28,346	$47,770	69.5%	88.8%
15	Springfield College Springfield, Massachusetts	$29,187	$43,707	67.6%	75.6%
16	Dean College Franklin, Massachusetts	$30,236	$44,960	43.2%	76.0%
17	Nichols College Dudley, Massachusetts	$31,065	$40,375	63.6%	84.9%
18	Western New England University Springfield, Massachusetts	$31,170	$46,430	63.9%	88.0%
19	Emmanuel College Boston, Massachusetts	$31,569	$46,686	65.8%	79.7%
20	Merrimack College North Andover, Massachusetts	$37,899	$51,786	72.1%	74.6%
21	Bentley University Waltham, Massachusetts	$38,787	$58,150	88.2%	57.9%
22	Endicott College Beverly, Massachusetts	$39,324	$39,212	75.4%	73.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $22,467 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Public universities like Fitchburg State ($15,432) and Salem State ($18,441) benefit from state funding that keeps costs low for Massachusetts residents. Private colleges such as Springfield College ($29,187) and Regis College ($28,346) operate without state subsidies, driving up their net prices. The MassGrant Plus program further reduces costs at public institutions for qualifying in-state students.

How do graduation rates compare between public and private fitness programs?

Public universities show mixed graduation performance, with UMass Amherst leading at 83.2% while UMass Boston trails at 51.1%. Private colleges demonstrate similar variation, from Eastern Nazarene's concerning 35.3% rate to Simmons University's strong 71.2%. The data suggests that institutional resources and student support matter more than public versus private status.

Is the $18,015 earnings gap between programs worth considering for career planning?

Graduates from UMass Amherst earn $39,523 annually compared to $21,508 from Regis College, reflecting different career paths within health and fitness. UMass Amherst's higher earnings likely stem from graduates entering corporate wellness roles or advanced healthcare positions. The $18,015 difference compounds significantly over a career, making program selection important for long-term financial success.

Does geographic location within Massachusetts affect program costs and outcomes?

Boston-area programs like UMass Boston ($18,282) and Simmons University ($27,313) offer access to major healthcare employers and fitness facilities. Western Massachusetts options like Westfield State ($18,561) and Springfield College ($29,187) provide lower living costs while maintaining strong regional connections. The location choice impacts both educational expenses and internship opportunities in the state's health sector.

Where do acceptance rates create the best admission chances for fitness programs?

Salem State accepts 92.7% of applicants while charging just $18,441, making it highly accessible for students seeking affordable fitness education. UMass Amherst, despite its 63.5% acceptance rate, offers the highest graduate earnings at $39,523. Students should balance admission probability against program outcomes when choosing among the state's 15 options.

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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.