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2025 Best Health & Physical Education Schools

523 Colleges in the United States
66,552 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
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.

For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 523 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for health & physical education students pursuing a degree. 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 15% 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
2nd Most Popular In MI
310 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

It's hard to beat University of Michigan - Ann Arbor if you want to pursue a degree in health & physical education. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #26 out of 2,198 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were about 310 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available.

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

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
11th Most Popular In NY
67 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Columbia University in the City of New York is a good decision for students interested in a degree in health & physical education. Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #13 out of 2,198 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were roughly 67 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Columbia University in the City of New York

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
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In TX
307 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

The University of Texas at Austin is a wonderful option for students interested in a degree in health & physical education. UT Austin is a very large public university located in the city of Austin. A Best Colleges rank of #36 out of 2,198 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.

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

4
Rice crest
Rice University
Houston, TX
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
22nd Most Popular In TX
104 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Rice University is a good option for students pursuing a degree in health & physical education. Located in the large city of Houston, Rice is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #15 out of 2,198 schools nationwide means Rice is a great university overall.

There were about 104 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Rice in the most recent year we have data available.

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

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In TX
538 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Texas A&M College Station is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of College Station. A Best Colleges rank of #39 out of 2,198 schools nationwide means Texas A&M College Station is a great university overall.

There were approximately 538 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Texas A&M College Station in the most recent data year.

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

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In WI
207 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

UW - Madison is a fairly large public university located in the city of Madison. A Best Colleges rank of #31 out of 2,198 colleges nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were approximately 207 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available.

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

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
11th Most Popular In IL
54 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #4 out of 2,198 colleges nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were roughly 54 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Northwestern 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
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In GA
90 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Emory is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Atlanta. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,198 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 data year.

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

9
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In IA
569 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Iowa City, Iowa 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 Iowa.

There were about 569 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year.

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

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In IN
424 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Bloomington, IU Bloomington is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #54 out of 2,198 colleges nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were roughly 424 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent data year.

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

11
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In FL
332 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

UF is a fairly large public university located in the city of Gainesville. A Best Colleges rank of #59 out of 2,198 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 year we have data available.

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

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
3rd Most Popular In NY
147 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Located in the midsize city of Syracuse, Syracuse is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 11th out of 138 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 147 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent data year.

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

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In OH
244 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 95 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 243.99999999999997 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent data year.

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

14
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MA
181 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

UMass Amherst is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Amherst. This university ranks 12th out of 62 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were approximately 181 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UMass Amherst in the most recent year we have data available.

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

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In OH
317 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Located in the fringe town of Oxford, Miami University - Oxford is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 95 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 317 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent data year.

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

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
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In AZ
364 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Located in the midsize city of Tempe, ASU - Tempe is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 25 colleges for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were roughly 364 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Tempe in the most recent data year.

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

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In CT
66 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

UCONN is a fairly large public university located in the fringe town of Storrs. This university ranks 2nd out of 19 colleges for overall quality in the state of Connecticut.

There were about 66 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UCONN in the most recent data year.

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

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NC
371 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Chapel Hill, UNC Chapel Hill is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #37 out of 2,198 schools 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 data year.

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

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In WV
698 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

American Military University is a very large private for-profit university located in the fringe town of Charles Town. This university ranks 1st out of 26 colleges for overall quality in the state of West Virginia.

There were approximately 698 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at American Military University in the most recent year we have data available.

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

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In SC
341 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Located in the midsize city of Columbia, UofSC is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 44 schools for overall quality in the state of South Carolina.

There were approximately 341 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent year we have data available.

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

21
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In NH
74 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Located in the town of Durham, UNH is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 17 schools for overall quality in the state of New Hampshire.

There were roughly 74 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UNH in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from University of New Hampshire - Main Campus

22
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
21st Most Popular In TX
133 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

SMU is a large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Dallas. This university ranks 4th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were about 133 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at SMU in the most recent year we have data available.

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

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In MN
108 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

UMN Twin Cities is a very large public university located in the city of Minneapolis. A Best Colleges rank of #51 out of 2,198 schools nationwide means UMN Twin Cities is a great university overall.

There were roughly 108 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year.

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

24
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MI
333 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Michigan State is a fairly large public university located in the city of East Lansing. This university ranks 2nd out of 56 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were roughly 333 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent year we have data available.

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

25
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In CA
370 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded

Concordia University, Irvine is a small private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Irvine. This university ranks 66th out of 165 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 370 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Concordia University, Irvine in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from Concordia University, Irvine

Rest of the Top 50 Best Health & Physical Education Schools

26
27
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
28
29
30
31
32
Temple crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA

33

34
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

42

43
44
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
45
46
47
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
48
49
Gonzaga crest
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA
50
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

Additional Award Winners

This section shows the remainder of the schools awarded a Best Health & Physical Education Schools badge. Showing in this list means the college was ranked in the top 15% of the 523 different United States health & physical education schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
51 Saint Ambrose University Davenport, IA
52 Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC
53 University of Delaware Newark, DE
54 Baylor University Waco, TX
55 South Dakota State University Brookings, SD
56 Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus University Park, PA
57 University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
58 University of Central Florida Orlando, FL
59 Shenandoah University Winchester, VA
60 Drexel University Philadelphia, PA
61 Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI
62 William & Mary Williamsburg, VA
63 San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA
64 University of Mississippi University, MS
65 Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS
66 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
67 Springfield College Springfield, MA
68 University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA
69 University of Wisconsin - La Crosse La Crosse, WI
70 Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, MN
71 Ball State University Muncie, IN
72 Seton Hall University South Orange, NJ
73 University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL
74 University of Louisville Louisville, KY
75 Loras College Dubuque, IA
76 California State University - Sacramento Sacramento, CA
77 Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, MO
78 Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA

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
79 Endicott College Beverly, MA
80 Oklahoma State University - Main Campus Stillwater, OK
81 University of Massachusetts - Boston Boston, MA
82 Towson University Towson, MD
83 Washington State University Pullman, WA
84 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA
85 West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester, PA
86 Winona State University Winona, MN
87 Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego, CA
88 North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC
89 Lindenwood University Saint Charles, MO
90 University of Kentucky Lexington, KY
91 Oregon State University Corvallis, OR
92 University of North Carolina at Wilmington Wilmington, NC
93 Seattle University Seattle, WA
94 Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX
95 Xavier University Cincinnati, OH
96 Texas State University San Marcos, TX
97 California State University - Fullerton Fullerton, CA
98 Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN
99 University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA
100 University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OH
101 Southern Nazarene University Bethany, OK
102 United States Sports Academy Daphne, AL
103 Tarleton State University Stephenville, TX
104 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT

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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