College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2025 Best Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General Schools

146 Colleges in the United States
13,335 Physical Education Degrees Awarded
Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General is of the hottest degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #54 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.

For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 146 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students pursuing a degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 13,335 degrees in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general annually.

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

Choosing a Great Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General School

Best Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General Schools The physical education program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General rankings. We derive our Best Overall Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General 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.

Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Physical Education
Bachelor's Degrees in Physical Education
Master's Degrees in Physical Education
Doctor's Degrees in Physical Education

The physical education school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General Schools. 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 Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General in the United States

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the physical education degrees they offer, see the list below. 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 Physical Education

1
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In MI
40.0% Growth in Graduates

It is difficult to beat University of Michigan - Ann Arbor if you wish to pursue a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general. Located in the medium-sized city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a fairly 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 approximately 25 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

2
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In TX
31 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

Every student pursuing a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general has to look into The University of Texas at Austin. 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 schools nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were roughly 31 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from The University of Texas at Austin

3
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In IN

Indiana University - Bloomington is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general. Located in the city of Bloomington, IU Bloomington is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were approximately 17 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from Indiana University - Bloomington

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In OH
66 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

Ohio State University - Main Campus is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general. Located in the large city of Columbus, Ohio State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #70 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Ohio State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 66 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from Ohio State University - Main Campus

5
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In GA
59.1% Growth in Graduates

UGA is a fairly large public university located in the city of Athens. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were approximately 22 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from University of Georgia

6
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NC
346 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

Located in the small city of Chapel Hill, UNC Chapel Hill is a public university with a very 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 about 346 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

7
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In VA
116 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

Located in the small city of Harrisonburg, JMU is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #141 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means JMU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 116 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from James Madison University

8
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In CA
406 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of San Diego, SDSU is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #185 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means SDSU is a great university overall.

There were about 406 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at SDSU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from San Diego State University

9
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In OH
105 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

Located in the distant town of Athens, OHIO Athens is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #184 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means OHIO Athens is a great university overall.

There were roughly 105 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at OHIO Athens in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from Ohio University - Athens Campus

10
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MN
51 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

Minnesota State Mankato is a large public university located in the city of Mankato. This university ranks 11th out of 52 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were about 51 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at Minnesota State Mankato in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from Minnesota State University - Mankato

11
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
11th Most Popular In CA
199 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of San Francisco, SFSU is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 30th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 199 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at SFSU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from San Francisco State University

12
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In NH

Located in the town of Durham, UNH is a public university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #151 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UNH is a great university overall.

There were roughly 4 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at UNH in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from University of New Hampshire - Main Campus

13
Canisius crest
Canisius College
Buffalo, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In NY
23.1% Growth in Graduates

Canisius is a small private not-for-profit college located in the large city of Buffalo. This college ranks 71st out of 136 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 26 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at Canisius in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from Canisius College

14
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
69th Most Popular In CA
87.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Moraga, SMC is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #148 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means SMC is a great college overall.

There were roughly 8 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at SMC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from Saint Mary’s College of California

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NH
32 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

Plymouth State is a small public university located in the remote town of Plymouth. This university ranks 9th out of 17 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Hampshire.

There were roughly 32 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at Plymouth State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from Plymouth State University

16
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In GA
84 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

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

There were approximately 84 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from Emory University

17
Lindenwood University crest
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In MO

Located in the small city of Saint Charles, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 13th out of 48 colleges for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were roughly 4 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at Lindenwood University in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from Lindenwood University

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In CA
301 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Long Beach, CSULB is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 36th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 301 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at CSULB in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from California State University - Long Beach

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In CA
309 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

Sac State is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Sacramento. This university ranks 40th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 309 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at Sac State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from California State University - Sacramento

20
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In KY
119 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

UofL is a very large public university located in the city of Louisville. This university ranks 2nd out of 39 schools for overall quality in the state of Kentucky.

There were about 119 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at UofL in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from University of Louisville

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MA
172 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Boston, UMass Boston is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 25th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were approximately 172 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at UMass Boston in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from University of Massachusetts - Boston

22
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In WA
6.7% Growth in Graduates

CWU is a medium-sized public university located in the distant town of Ellensburg. This university ranks 6th out of 50 colleges for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were about 30 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at CWU in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from Central Washington University

23
UARK crest
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In AR
87 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

UARK is a very large public university located in the small city of Fayetteville. This university ranks 1st out of 36 schools for overall quality in the state of Arkansas.

There were roughly 87 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at UARK in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from University of Arkansas

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In WV
117 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

American Military University is a very large private for-profit university located in the town of Charles Town. This university ranks 1st out of 25 colleges for overall quality in the state of West Virginia.

There were approximately 117 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at American Military University in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from American Public University System

25
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In IA
75 Physical Education Degrees Awarded

UNI is a medium-sized public university located in the small city of Cedar Falls. This university ranks 3rd out of 37 schools for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were approximately 75 sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general students who graduated with this degree at UNI in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general from University of Northern Iowa

Rest of the Top Best Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General Schools

26
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
27
28
29
Grand View University crest
Grand View University
Des Moines, IA

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General students that almost earned our Best Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General Schools award.

Rank College Location
30 William & Mary Williamsburg, VA
31 Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN
32 East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN
33 California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Pomona, CA
34 California State University - Fullerton Fullerton, CA
35 Baylor University Waco, TX
36 Riverside City College Riverside, CA
37 South Texas College McAllen, TX
38 Mt. San Antonio College Walnut, CA
39 California State University - Northridge Northridge, CA
40 Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Slippery Rock, PA
41 California State University - Chico Chico, CA
42 California State University - San Marcos San Marcos, CA
43 Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL
44 Dean College Franklin, MA
45 California State University - Fresno Fresno, CA
46 Westfield State University Westfield, MA
47 Illinois State University Normal, IL
48 California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA

Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General by Region

View the Best Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General 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 >

Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General is one of 5 different types of Health & Physical Education programs to choose from.

Majors Similar to Physical Education

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

View All Physical Education 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