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Cheapest Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in North Carolina

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

Elizabeth City State University offers the most affordable Health and Physical Education program in North Carolina at just $7,237 net cost, while private institutions like Chowan University charge nearly $16,189. This $9,000 gap reflects the state's commitment to accessible fitness education through its public university system. North Carolina's healthcare sector continues expanding beyond the Research Triangle, creating demand for fitness professionals in physical therapy clinics and corporate wellness programs throughout Charlotte's banking district. The 20 programs range from $7,237 to $18,210, with graduates earning between $21,052 and $35,594 annually. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with eight of the ten cheapest programs housed in state institutions. UNC Chapel Hill stands out with a 92.1% graduation rate despite moderate costs at $12,983, while East Carolina graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $32,284. The state's growing emphasis on preventive healthcare and workplace wellness programs positions fitness education graduates for steady employment across varied sectors.
44
Programs
$7,237 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$28,246
Avg. Program Earnings
51.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

44 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
2 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
3 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
4 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
5 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
6 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
7 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
8 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
9 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
10 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
11 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
12 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
13 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
14 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
15 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
16 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
17 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
18 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
19 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
20 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
21 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
22 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
23 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
24 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
25 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
26 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
27 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
28 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
29 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
30 $21,728 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
31 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
32 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
33 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
34 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
35 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
36 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
37 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
38 $25,765 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%
39 $26,328 $33,860 40.6% 68.1%
40 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
41 $28,746 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
42 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
43 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
44 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Elizabeth City State University the most affordable option at $7,237?

Elizabeth City State University combines low in-state tuition of $3,412 with substantial financial aid packages to create the lowest net cost in the state. The university maintains a 48.1% graduation rate with 74.15% acceptance rate, making it accessible for students seeking affordable fitness education. The rural eastern North Carolina location helps keep operational costs down while still providing quality program instruction.

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

Public universities generally show stronger graduation outcomes among affordable options, with UNC Chapel Hill leading at 92.1% and Appalachian State at 73.1%. Private institutions like Shaw University struggle with only 20.2% graduation rates despite charging $14,083 net cost. The data suggests students achieve better completion rates at state institutions offering Health and Physical Education programs under $17,000.

Is East Carolina University worth the higher cost for better earnings potential?

East Carolina graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $32,284, justifying the $16,514 net cost for career-focused students. The university maintains a 62.1% graduation rate and 92.34% acceptance rate, offering good value despite being among the more expensive public options. Students graduate with $25,500 in debt but enter a job market where the higher earnings can offset the additional investment.

Does UNC Chapel Hill's low acceptance rate affect program accessibility?

UNC Chapel Hill accepts only 17.11% of applicants, making it the most selective option despite reasonable $12,983 net costs. The university achieves strong 92.1% graduation rates, suggesting strong student support once enrolled. Students should consider backup options like UNC Greensboro, which offers similar state university benefits with a more accessible 91.94% acceptance rate.

Where do graduates find employment opportunities in North Carolina's economy?

North Carolina's healthcare sector offers positions in physical therapy clinics, rehabilitation centers, and hospital wellness programs across the Research Triangle. Corporate fitness roles emerge in Charlotte's banking headquarters, where companies invest heavily in employee wellness programs. The state's growing tech industry also creates opportunities for workplace fitness coordinators, with starting salaries ranging from $21,052 to $35,594 depending on location and employer size.

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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.