College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2025 Best Health & Physical Education Schools in the Southeast Region

167 Colleges in the Southeast Region
17,974 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$34,558 Avg Early-Career Salary
Health & Physical Education is of the hottest degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #11 most popular major in the country. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

In 2025, College Factual analyzed 167 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Health & Physical Education Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 17,974 degrees in health & physical education annually.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Health & Physical Education School

Best Health & Physical Education Schools in the Southeast Region Your choice of health & physical education school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall Health & Physical Education School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Health & Physical Education Rankings by 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 in the Southeast Region ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Health & Physical Education in the Southeast Region

The schools below may not offer all types of phys ed degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do 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 Southeast Region Schools in Phys Ed

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
358 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
15.4% Growth in Graduates

Any student pursuing a degree in health & physical education has to check out University of Georgia. Located in the city of Athens, UGA is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were approximately 358 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, phys ed degree recipients generally earn an average of $36,019 at the beginning of their careers.

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

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
371 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$32,424 Median Starting Salary

Any student who is interested in health & physical education needs to take a look at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. UNC Chapel Hill is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Chapel Hill. A Best Colleges rank of #38 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were approximately 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 receive their degree from the phys ed program make an average of $32,424 for their early career.

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

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

University of Florida is a good choice for students pursuing a degree in health & physical education. Located in the medium-sized city of Gainesville, UF is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #56 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were roughly 332 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education degree recipients from University of Florida get an earnings boost of about $9,456 over the average income of health & physical education graduates.

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

4
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
268 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$38,119 Median Starting Salary

Every student pursuing a degree in health & physical education needs to check out James Madison University. JMU is a very large public university located in the city of Harrisonburg. A Best Colleges rank of #141 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means JMU is a great university overall.

There were about 268 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education degree recipients from James Madison University earn a boost of about $3,561 above the average earnings of health & physical education majors.

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

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
410 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$30,856 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Knoxville, UT Knoxville is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were approximately 410 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UT Knoxville in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the phys ed program earn about $30,856 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
341 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
19.4% Growth in Graduates

UofSC is a very large public university located in the city of Columbia. A Best Colleges rank of #99 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UofSC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 341 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent year we have data available. Health & Physical Education degree recipients from University of South Carolina - Columbia get an earnings boost of approximately $5,210 above the average earnings of health & physical education graduates.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from University of South Carolina - Columbia

7
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
83 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
16.9% Growth in Graduates

Wake Forest University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Winston-Salem. A Best Colleges rank of #76 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Wake Forest University is a great university overall.

There were about 83 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Wake Forest University in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the phys ed program make about $21,192 in their early career salary.

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

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
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
248 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
17.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #117 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Florida State is a great university overall.

There were about 248 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, phys ed degree recipients usually earn an average of $33,288 in the first five years of their career.

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

9
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
90 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$37,974 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Atlanta, Emory is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #31 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were roughly 90 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available. Those health & physical education students who get their degree from Emory University make $3,416 more than the standard phys ed grad.

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

10
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
108 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
30.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized suburb of Elon, Elon is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 5th out of 93 schools for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were about 108 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Elon in the most recent data year. After graduation, phys ed degree recipients typically make about $21,440 in their early careers.

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

11
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
345 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$33,813 Median Starting Salary

Located in the distant town of Statesboro, GaSou is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 16th out of 68 colleges for overall quality in the state of Georgia.

There were approximately 345 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at GaSou in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, phys ed degree recipients generally earn around $33,813 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Georgia Southern 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
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
139 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
18.0% Growth in Graduates

NC State is a very large public university located in the large city of Raleigh. A Best Colleges rank of #122 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means NC State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 139 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the phys ed program make around $33,717 in their early career salary.

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

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
153 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$22,239 Median Starting Salary

Ole Miss is a very large public university located in the town of University. This university ranks 1st out of 24 colleges for overall quality in the state of Mississippi.

There were roughly 153 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Ole Miss in the most recent data year. After graduating, phys ed degree recipients generally make about $22,239 in the first five years of their career.

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

14
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
106 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$28,527 Median Starting Salary

Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Fort Lauderdale. A Best Colleges rank of #123 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale is a great university overall.

There were roughly 106 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the phys ed program make around $28,527 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
698 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
2.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the fringe town of Charles Town, American Military University is a private for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 25 schools for overall quality in the state of West Virginia.

There were roughly 698 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at American Military University in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education degree recipients from American Public University System earn a boost of approximately $19,867 over the average earnings of health & physical education graduates.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from American Public University System

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
Mississippi State crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
283 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$30,711 Median Starting Salary

Located in the town of Mississippi State, Mississippi State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 24 schools for overall quality in the state of Mississippi.

There were roughly 283 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Mississippi State in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the phys ed program state that they receive average early career wages of $30,711.

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

17
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
381 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$36,666 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 11th out of 57 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 381 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Liberty University in the most recent year we have data available. Those health & physical education students who get their degree from Liberty University earn $2,107 more than the average phys ed grad.

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

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
298 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
16.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the town of Boone, Appalachian State is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 11th out of 93 schools for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were roughly 298 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Appalachian State in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the phys ed program make around $26,116 in their early career salary.

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

19
UARK crest
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
138 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$28,934 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Fayetteville, UARK is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 36 colleges for overall quality in the state of Arkansas.

There were about 138 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UARK in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the phys ed program state that they receive average early career earnings of $28,934.

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

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
284 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
4.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Louisville, UofL is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 39 colleges for overall quality in the state of Kentucky.

There were about 284 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UofL 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 $34,441.

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

21
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
494 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$33,207 Median Starting Salary

UofM is a fairly large public university located in the city of Memphis. This university ranks 12th out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were roughly 494 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UofM in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the phys ed program make about $33,207 for their early career.

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

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
201 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$30,145 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Morgantown, WVU is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 25 schools for overall quality in the state of West Virginia.

There were approximately 201 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at WVU in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, phys ed degree recipients generally make an average of $30,145 at the beginning of their careers.

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

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
57 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$43,536 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Charleston, The Citadel is a public college with a small student population. This college ranks 4th out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of South Carolina.

There were about 57 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at The Citadel in the most recent year we have data available. Those health & physical education students who get their degree from Citadel Military College of South Carolina make $8,978 more than the standard phys ed grad.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Citadel Military College of South Carolina

24
William & Mary crest
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
112 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$27,114 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Williamsburg, William & Mary is a public school with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #103 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means William & Mary is a great school overall.

There were approximately 112 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at William & Mary in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the phys ed program state that they receive average early career earnings of $27,114.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from William & Mary

25
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
127 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
11.0% Growth in Graduates

GMU is a very large public university located in the suburb of Fairfax. A Best Colleges rank of #92 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means GMU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 127 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, phys ed degree recipients usually make about $35,118 at the beginning of their careers.

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

Rest of the Top Best Health & Physical Education Schools in the Southeast Region

26
27
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
28
29
WKU crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
30
31
32

33
Shenandoah crest
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Health & Physical Education Schools in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
34 Cumberland University Lebanon, TN
35 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA
36 Coastal Carolina University Conway, SC
37 Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA
38 Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA
39 Clemson University Clemson, SC
40 University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS
41 University of North Alabama Florence, AL
42 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC
43 Roanoke College Salem, VA
44 Mississippi College Clinton, MS
45 Averett University Danville, VA
46 Bob Jones University Greenville, SC
47 The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN
48 Campbell University Buies Creek, NC
49 Harding University Searcy, AR
50 Holmes Community College Goodman, MS
51 Belmont University Nashville, TN
52 The University of West Florida Pensacola, FL
53 The University of Tampa Tampa, FL
54 United States Sports Academy Daphne, AL
55 Winthrop University Rock Hill, SC

Best Health & Physical Education Colleges by State

Explore the best health & physical education colleges for a specific state in the Southeast Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Georgia 287 1,801
Florida 282 1,944
North Carolina 279 2,932
Virginia 274 1,581
Tennessee 269 2,402
South Carolina 248 1,140
Kentucky 244 952
Louisiana 242 678
Mississippi 234 1,043
Arkansas 234 854
Alabama 233 858
West Virginia 207 1,158

View All Rankings >

One of 4 majors within the Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies area of study, Health & Physical Education has other similar majors worth exploring.

Phys Ed Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Exercise Science and Kinesiology 8,265
Sports Management 6,078
Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General 2,855
Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness 434
Physical Fitness Technician 171
Sports Studies 171

View All Phys Ed Concentrations >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Recreation Administration 1,307
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies 504
Outdoor Education 95
Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies 54

View All Phys Ed Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options