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2025 Best Health & Physical Education Schools in the Great Lakes Region

93 Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
9,354 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$34,558 Avg Early-Career Salary
Ranked #11 in popularity, health & physical education is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

College Factual reviewed 93 schools in the Great Lakes Region to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of health & physical education. Combined, these schools handed out 9,354 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 in the Great Lakes Region 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. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for health & physical education schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

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 in the Great Lakes Region ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Health & Physical Education in the Great Lakes Region

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 phys ed 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.

18 Top Great Lakes Region Schools in Phys Ed

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

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is a great choice for students interested in 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 colleges 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. Degree recipients from the health & physical education program at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor earn $8,711 more than the average graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

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

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
424 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$37,192 Median Starting Salary

Indiana University - Bloomington is a good choice for students interested in a degree in health & physical education. Located in the small 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 roughly 424 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the health & physical education degree program at Indiana University - Bloomington earn $2,634 above the typical college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

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

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

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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
244 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$38,013 Median Starting Salary

Every student who is interested in health & physical education needs to check out Ohio State University - Main Campus. Located in the 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 schools nationwide means Ohio State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 243.99999999999997 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent data year. Those health & physical education students who get their degree from Ohio State University - Main Campus make $3,454 more than the typical phys ed grad.

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

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
207 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
28.5% Growth in Graduates

University of Wisconsin - Madison is a great choice for students interested in a degree in health & physical education. UW - Madison is a fairly large public university located in the large 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 approximately 207 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the phys ed program state that they receive average early career income of $29,866.

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

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
317 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$41,045 Median Starting Salary

Located in the town of Oxford, Miami University - Oxford is a public university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #134 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Miami University - Oxford is a great university overall.

There were about 317 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the health & physical education program at Miami University - Oxford get $6,486 more than the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

6
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 roughly 333 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Michigan 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 income of $30,726.

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

7
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 about 119 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Carroll U in the most recent data year.

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

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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
184 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
4.9% Growth in Graduates

UIUC is a very large public university located in the city of Champaign. A Best Colleges rank of #41 out of 2,152 colleges 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 data year. Students who receive their degree from the phys ed program earn an average of $31,187 in their early career salary.

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

9
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
246 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$49,322 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 246 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at OHIO Athens in the most recent year we have data available. Those health & physical education students who get their degree from Ohio University - Athens Campus make $14,764 more than the typical phys ed graduate.

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

10
Central Michigan crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
226 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$33,941 Median Starting Salary

Located in the distant town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 6th out of 56 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were about 226 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Central Michigan in the most recent data year. After graduation, phys ed degree recipients generally earn an average of $33,941 at the beginning of their careers.

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

11
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
143 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$35,812 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Muncie, Ball State is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #181 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Ball State is a great university overall.

There were about 143 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Ball State in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the phys ed program earn an average of $35,812 in their early career salary.

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

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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
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
375 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$45,370 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of River Forest, Concordia University, Chicago is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #125 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Concordia University, Chicago is a great university overall.

There were approximately 375 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Concordia University, Chicago in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education degree recipients from Concordia University, Chicago get an earnings boost of about $10,812 over the average earnings of health & physical education graduates.

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

13
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
219 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
2.3% Growth in Graduates

UW - La Crosse is a large public university located in the city of La Crosse. This university ranks 8th out of 46 schools for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were roughly 219 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UW - La Crosse in the most recent data year. After graduating, phys ed degree recipients usually make around $34,086 at the beginning of their careers.

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

14
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
275 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$29,913 Median Starting Salary

GVSU is a fairly large public university located in the town of Allendale. This university ranks 5th out of 56 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were approximately 275 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at GVSU in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the phys ed program report average early career earnings of $29,913.

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

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
131 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$28,874 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Chicago, UIC is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 131 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at UIC 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 $28,874.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from University of Illinois at Chicago

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
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
154 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
14.3% Growth in Graduates

WMU is a large public university located in the small city of Kalamazoo. This university ranks 4th out of 56 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were roughly 154 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at WMU in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the phys ed program earn an average of $28,764 in their early career salary.

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

17
North Central crest
North Central College
Naperville, IL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
53 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
$34,609 Median Starting Salary

North Central is a small private not-for-profit college located in the midsize city of Naperville. This college ranks 32nd out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were roughly 53 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at North Central in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, phys ed degree recipients usually make about $34,609 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in health & physical education from North Central College

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
142 Phys Ed Degrees Awarded
17.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Kent, Kent State is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #250 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Kent State is a great university overall.

There were approximately 142 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Kent State in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the phys ed program report average early career earnings of $34,850.

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

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

Honorable Mentions

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 Great Lakes Region award.

Rank College Location
19 Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN
20 Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OH
21 Baldwin Wallace University Berea, OH
22 University of Mount Union Alliance, OH
23 Aurora University Aurora, IL
24 Illinois State University Normal, IL
25 University of Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN
26 Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL
27 Adrian College Adrian, MI
28 Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI
29 Xavier University Cincinnati, OH
30 Eastern Illinois University Charleston, IL
31 Carthage College Kenosha, WI

Best Health & Physical Education Colleges by State

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

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Michigan 322 2,199
Ohio 314 2,493
Illinois 304 1,995
Indiana 294 1,564
Wisconsin 273 938

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 5,138
Sports Management 2,968
Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General 787
Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness 228
Physical Fitness Technician 151
Sports Studies 82

View All Phys Ed Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies 469
Recreation Administration 292
Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies 61
Outdoor Education 24

View All Phys Ed Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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