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Cheapest Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Tennessee

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

Tennessee State University delivers the state's most affordable Health and Physical Education pathway at just $10,026 annually, while private options like Christian Brothers University demand nearly four times that investment. This massive cost divide reflects Tennessee's dual educational strategy where public institutions serve as accessible entry points into the state's growing healthcare sector. The state's $90 billion healthcare industry, anchored by HCA Healthcare's Nashville headquarters, creates steady demand for fitness professionals and physical education specialists. Graduates from Tennessee programs earn between $23,380 and $30,353 annually, with University of Memphis alumni commanding the highest starting salaries at $30,353. The affordability gap becomes even sharper when examining debt loads. Tennessee Tech graduates carry just $14,500 in average debt while maintaining solid 54.2% graduation rates. These figures matter because Tennessee's absence of state income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings while building careers in school systems, corporate wellness programs, or healthcare facilities across the region.
30
Programs
$10,026 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$26,923
Avg. Program Earnings
53.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
2 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
3 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
4 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
5 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
6 $13,253 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
7 $14,207 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
8 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
9 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
10 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
11 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
12 $15,794 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
13 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
14 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
15 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
16 $18,292 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
17 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
18 $19,983 $20,796 61.4%
19 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
20 $20,303 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
21 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
22 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
23 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
24 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
25 $22,874 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
26 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
27 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
28 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
29 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
30 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee State University the cheapest option for Health and Physical Education degrees?

Tennessee State University charges just $10,026 in net costs annually, making it the most affordable program in the state. The university's public funding and Nashville location provide access to internships with local healthcare organizations. Students also benefit from in-state tuition of only $8,568, creating significant savings for Tennessee residents. The program connects directly to Nashville's healthcare sector, where HCA Healthcare and other major employers recruit fitness and education professionals.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive programs?

University of Tennessee-Knoxville achieves the highest graduation rate at 73.5% despite charging $18,109 annually. Meanwhile, Tennessee State University, the cheapest option, graduates 33% of students. Christian Brothers University maintains a 56% graduation rate while charging $10,896 in net costs. These numbers show that higher costs don't guarantee better completion rates, with several mid-priced public universities achieving graduation rates above 50%.

Does Tennessee's job market justify the investment in Health and Physical Education degrees?

Tennessee's healthcare industry employs over 400,000 people, creating steady demand for physical education and fitness professionals. University of Memphis graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $30,353 annually. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings compared to other regions. Corporate wellness programs in Tennessee's automotive and music industries also provide alternative career paths beyond traditional school-based positions.

What debt levels should students expect from Tennessee's most affordable programs?

Tennessee Tech graduates carry the lowest debt burden at $14,500 on average, while charging $14,207 annually. East Tennessee State University graduates face $21,928 in debt with net costs of $15,794. Tennessee State University, despite being the cheapest option, still results in $28,000 average debt loads. These figures reflect the reality that even affordable programs require significant financial planning for completion.

Where do Tennessee graduates find the best earning potential in this field?

University of Memphis graduates command the highest starting salaries at $30,353, reflecting the city's large healthcare systems and corporate wellness market. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga produces graduates earning $29,033 annually in a region with growing fitness and recreation industries. Nashville-based programs connect students to music industry wellness programs and major healthcare employers. Tennessee's border location also provides access to job markets in Georgia, Kentucky, and other neighboring states.

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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.