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2025 Best Health & Physical Education Schools

553 Colleges in the United States
66,552 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$34,558 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you pursue a degree in health & physical education, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #11 most popular program in the country. This means there are lots of options to choose from when you decide to get your degree.

College Factual looked at 553 colleges and universities when compiling its 2025 Best Health & Physical Education Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 66,552 degrees in health & physical education to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Health & Physical Education School

Best Health & Physical Education Schools The phys ed program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Health & Physical Education rankings. We derive our Best Overall Health & Physical Education School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Pick Your Health & Physical Education Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Phys Ed
Bachelor's Degrees in Phys Ed
Master's Degrees in Phys Ed
Doctor's Degrees in Phys Ed

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Health & Physical Education Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.

Best Schools for Health & Physical Education in the United States

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the phys ed degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Phys Ed

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
310 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$43,269 Median Starting Salary

It is difficult to beat University of Michigan - Ann Arbor if you want to pursue a degree in health & physical education. Located in the midsize city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were roughly 310 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education degree recipients from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor earn a boost of approximately $8,711 over the average earnings of health & physical education majors.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
538 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$39,147 Median Starting Salary

Texas A&M University - College Station is a good decision for students pursuing a degree in health & physical education. Texas A&M College Station is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of College Station. A Best Colleges rank of #42 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Texas A&M College Station is a great university overall.

There were about 538 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Texas A&M College Station in the most recent year we have data available. Health & Physical Education degree recipients from Texas A&M University - College Station get an earnings boost of around $4,588 over the average earnings of health & physical education graduates.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Texas A&M University - College Station

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Business Administration - Sport Management Program Name

Turn your passion for sports into a career with a wide range of employment options with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BS in Business Administration - Sport Management from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

3
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
569 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$31,998 Median Starting Salary

University of Iowa is a wonderful choice for students pursuing a degree in health & physical education. Located in the small city of Iowa City, Iowa is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 37 colleges for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were about 569 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the phys ed program report average early career earnings of $31,998.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from University of Iowa

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
307 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$35,583 Median Starting Salary

The University of Texas at Austin is a wonderful option for students interested in a degree in health & physical education. UT Austin is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Austin. A Best Colleges rank of #46 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were roughly 307 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, phys ed degree recipients usually make an average of $35,583 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from The University of Texas at Austin

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
424 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$37,192 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Bloomington, IU Bloomington is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were approximately 424 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education degree recipients from Indiana University - Bloomington earn a boost of around $2,634 above the typical income of health & physical education graduates.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Indiana University - Bloomington

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
244 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$38,013 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Columbus, Ohio State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 243.99999999999997 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the health & physical education degree program at Ohio State University - Main Campus earn $3,454 more than the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Ohio State University - Main Campus

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
207 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
28.5% Growth in Graduates

UW - Madison is a fairly large public university located in the city of Madison. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were about 207 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the phys ed program make around $29,866 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from University of Wisconsin - Madison

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Sport Management Program Name

Turn your passion for sports into a career and a path to high-level roles in the industry with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BS in Sport Management from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
364 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$32,696 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Tempe, ASU - Tempe is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were approximately 364 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Tempe in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the phys ed program report average early career wages of $32,696.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Arizona State University - Tempe

9
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
317 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$41,045 Median Starting Salary

Located in the fringe town of Oxford, Miami University - Oxford is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 317 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education degree recipients from Miami University - Oxford earn a boost of around $6,486 over the average earnings of health & physical education graduates.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Miami University - Oxford

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
396 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$30,252 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers New Brunswick is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were roughly 396 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers New Brunswick in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the phys ed program report average early career income of $30,252.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Rutgers University - New Brunswick

11
Temple crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
285 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$31,658 Median Starting Salary

Temple is a fairly large public university located in the city of Philadelphia. This university ranks 8th out of 103 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 285 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Temple in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, phys ed degree recipients generally earn an average of $31,658 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Temple University

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MBA in Sport Management Program Name

Fit 2 of your passions – business and sports – into 1 degree when you earn your sport management MBA at Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MBA in Sport Management from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

12
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
147 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$34,821 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Syracuse, Syracuse is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #62 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Syracuse is a great university overall.

There were approximately 147 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the phys ed program report average early career earnings of $34,821.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Syracuse University

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
358 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
15.4% Growth in Graduates

UGA is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Athens. This university ranks 3rd out of 68 colleges for overall quality in the state of Georgia.

There were approximately 358 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the phys ed program earn an average of $36,019 for their early career.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from University of Georgia

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
208 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$31,403 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of College Park, UMCP is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #37 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UMCP is a great university overall.

There were approximately 208 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, phys ed degree recipients typically earn an average of $31,403 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from University of Maryland - College Park

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
371 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$32,424 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Chapel Hill, UNC Chapel Hill is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #38 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were roughly 371 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the phys ed program report average early career income of $32,424.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Sport Management Program Name

Pursue opportunities in collegiate and professional sport management organizations with the support of this well-established online master's degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Sport Management from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

16
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
332 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
25.6% Growth in Graduates

UF is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Gainesville. A Best Colleges rank of #56 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were about 332 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the health & physical education program at University of Florida make $9,456 more than the standard graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from University of Florida

17
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
333 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$30,726 Median Starting Salary

Michigan State is a very large public university located in the city of East Lansing. A Best Colleges rank of #54 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Michigan State is a great university overall.

There were about 333 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the phys ed program make an average of $30,726 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Michigan State University

18
Carroll U crest
Carroll University
Waukesha, WI
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In WI
119 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Located in the small city of Waukesha, Carroll U is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 15th out of 46 schools for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were roughly 119 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Carroll U in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Carroll University

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
184 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
4.9% Growth in Graduates

UIUC is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Champaign. A Best Colleges rank of #41 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 184 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, phys ed degree recipients usually make about $31,187 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

20
SUNY Cortland crest
SUNY Cortland
Cortland, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
291 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$32,153 Median Starting Salary

Located in the distant town of Cortland, SUNY Cortland is a public school with a medium-sized student population. This school ranks 25th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 291 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at SUNY Cortland in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, phys ed degree recipients generally make an average of $32,153 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from SUNY Cortland

21
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
268 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$38,119 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Harrisonburg, JMU is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were roughly 268 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the health & physical education program at James Madison University get $3,561 more than the standard graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from James Madison University

22
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
211 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
10.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Newark, UD is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 3 schools for overall quality in the state of Delaware.

There were approximately 211 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UD in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the phys ed program make an average of $26,555 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from University of Delaware

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
108 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$36,050 Median Starting Salary

UMN Twin Cities is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Minneapolis. A Best Colleges rank of #45 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UMN Twin Cities is a great university overall.

There were about 108 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, phys ed degree recipients generally earn an average of $36,050 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
246 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$49,322 Median Starting Salary

Located in the distant town of Athens, OHIO Athens is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 246 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at OHIO Athens in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the health & physical education degree program at Ohio University - Athens Campus make $14,764 more than the standard graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Ohio University - Athens Campus

25
SLU crest
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In MO
99 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Saint Louis, SLU is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 48 schools for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were approximately 99 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at SLU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Saint Louis University

Rest of the Top 50 Best Health & Physical Education Schools

26
27
28
29
30
31
32

33
Rice crest
Rice University
Houston, TX

34
Central Michigan crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
35
36
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
37
38
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
39
40
41

42

43
Canisius crest
Canisius College
Buffalo, NY
44
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
45
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
46
47
48
Towson crest
Towson University
Towson, MD
49
50

Additional Award Winners

This list shows the remainder of the colleges awarded a Best Health & Physical Education Schools badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 20% of the 553 different United States health & physical education schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
51 University of Houston Houston, TX
52 Elon University Elon, NC
53 Plymouth State University Plymouth, NH
54 Endicott College Beverly, MA
55 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA
56 North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC
57 University of Mississippi University, MS
58 Lindenwood University Saint Charles, MO
59 University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
60 Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL
61 The College at Brockport Brockport, NY
62 American Public University System Charles Town, WV
63 Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS
64 University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA
65 University of Massachusetts - Boston Boston, MA
66 Liberty University Lynchburg, VA
67 Appalachian State University Boone, NC
68 Oregon State University Corvallis, OR
69 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
70 Texas State University San Marcos, TX
71 University of Wisconsin - La Crosse La Crosse, WI
72 Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI
73 University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
74 University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA
75 University of Louisville Louisville, KY
76 University of Memphis Memphis, TN
77 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV
78 East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg, PA
79 University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL
80 Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX
81 Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston, SC
82 Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA
83 William & Mary Williamsburg, VA
84 Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI
85 William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, NJ
86 Grand View University Des Moines, IA
87 California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Pomona, CA
88 George Mason University Fairfax, VA
89 California State University - Fullerton Fullerton, CA
90 Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN
91 University of North Texas Denton, TX
92 Baylor University Waco, TX
93 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL
94 Winona State University Winona, MN
95 University of Virginia - Main Campus Charlottesville, VA
96 Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY
97 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
98 East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN
99 Riverside City College Riverside, CA
100 Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX
101 South Texas College McAllen, TX
102 Western Washington University Bellingham, WA
103 North Central College Naperville, IL
104 Mt. San Antonio College Walnut, CA
105 California State University - Chico Chico, CA
106 Arkansas State University - Main Campus Jonesboro, AR
107 East Carolina University Greenville, NC
108 Kent State University at Kent Kent, OH
109 Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ
110 Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Health & Physical Education students that almost earned our Best Health & Physical Education Schools award.

Rank College Location
111 Tarleton State University Stephenville, TX

Health & Physical Education by Region

View the Best Health & Physical Education Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Health & Physical Education is one of 4 different types of Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies programs to choose from.

Phys Ed Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Exercise Science and Kinesiology 32,435
Sports Management 17,486
Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General 13,335
Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness 1,377
Physical Fitness Technician 1,336
Sports Studies 583

View All Phys Ed Focus Areas >

Majors Similar to Phys Ed

Related Major Annual Graduates
Recreation Administration 2,826
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies 2,818
Outdoor Education 313
Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies 232

View All Phys Ed Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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