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Cheapest Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania's health and physical education programs show remarkable cost variation, with Holy Family University offering net costs as low as $12,251 while other private schools charge over $40,000 in sticker prices. Public universities like East Stroudsburg and Indiana University of Pennsylvania provide strong value propositions, combining affordable education with solid career outcomes. East Stroudsburg graduates earn $33,352 annually, reflecting the growing demand for fitness professionals in Pennsylvania's expanding healthcare sector. The state's major healthcare employers like UPMC create substantial opportunities for physical education graduates, particularly in rehabilitation services and corporate wellness programs. Graduation rates span from 24% at Manor College to 73% at Saint Francis University, highlighting the importance of choosing programs that match academic preparation. Pennsylvania's mix of urban healthcare systems and rural recreational facilities provides varied career paths for graduates, from hospital-based fitness programs to outdoor education initiatives.
50
Programs
$12,251 – $35,487
Net Price Range
$29,061
Avg. Program Earnings
61.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
2 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
3 $13,766 $23,900 43.4% 84.3%
4 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
5 $16,521 $19,964 24.4% 93.2%
6 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
7 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
8 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
9 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
10 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
11 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
12 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
13 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
14 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
15 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
16 $21,461 $17,850 41.2% 80.7%
17 $21,873 $32,400 54.2% 65.2%
18 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
19 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
20 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
21 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
22 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
23 $22,870 $29,990 71.4% 97.2%
24 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
25 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
26 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
27 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
28 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
29 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
30 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
31 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
32 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
33 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
34 $26,084 $17,940 50.4%
35 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
36 $27,499 $24,510 56.1% 82.4%
37 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
38 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
39 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
40 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
41 $28,714 $37,300 46.1% 85.5%
42 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
43 $29,464 $28,550 64.5% 69.7%
44 $29,577 $32,625 65.2% 81.0%
45 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
46 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
47 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
48 $30,485 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
49 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
50 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes East Stroudsburg University stand out for health and physical education students?

East Stroudsburg University offers one of the strongest return on investment profiles in Pennsylvania's health and physical education market. Graduates earn $33,352 annually, the highest among schools with available salary data, while maintaining a net cost of just $15,089. The university accepts 94% of applicants, making admission accessible for most students. The graduation rate of 44% reflects the program's rigorous standards while still providing reasonable completion prospects.

How do public and private school costs compare for health and physical education programs?

Public universities consistently offer lower net costs, with schools like Slippery Rock at $19,524 and Indiana University of Pennsylvania at $17,216. Private institutions show wider variation, from Holy Family's competitive $12,251 net cost to Saint Francis University's $19,173. Private school sticker prices reach over $40,000 at Saint Francis and Westminster College. However, financial aid packages at private schools often bring actual costs closer to public university levels.

Is Holy Family University's low cost legitimate for a private institution?

Holy Family University's $12,251 net cost represents authentic affordability through substantial financial aid packages that reduce the $33,968 sticker price. The Philadelphia location provides access to major healthcare employers like Jefferson Health and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. With a 60% graduation rate and 77% acceptance rate, the university maintains academic standards while making education accessible. The urban setting offers internship opportunities in hospital wellness centers and community recreation programs.

Does Pennsylvania's job market support health and physical education graduates?

Pennsylvania's healthcare sector, anchored by UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies, creates substantial demand for fitness and wellness professionals. Graduate earnings range from $26,353 at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford to $33,352 at East Stroudsburg, reflecting regional employment opportunities. The state's aging population drives demand for rehabilitation specialists and fitness coordinators in healthcare settings. Corporate wellness programs at companies like Comcast also employ physical education graduates to manage employee health initiatives.

Where should students focus when choosing between these Pennsylvania programs?

Students should prioritize graduation rates and earnings data when available, as completion rates vary dramatically from 24% to 73% across institutions. Schools with earnings data show graduates earning $26,000 to $33,000 annually, providing realistic salary expectations. Geographic location matters significantly, with Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offering more internship opportunities but potentially higher living costs. Net cost differences of $10,000 annually between schools can substantially impact career flexibility after graduation.

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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.