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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Exercise Physiology Schools

79 Colleges in the United States
6,845 Exercise Physiology Degrees Awarded
$44,003 Avg Early-Career Salary

Exercise Physiology programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 165 schools to find the best for exercise physiology students.

What’s on this page:

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Choosing a Great Exercise Physiology School

Best Exercise Physiology Schools

Where you study exercise physiology matters for your future. That is why we built our Best Exercise Physiology Schools rankings. Our overall ranking combines our degree-level rankings, weighted by 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.

Exercise Physiology Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Exercise Physiology
Bachelor's Degrees in Exercise Physiology
Master's Degrees in Exercise Physiology
Doctoral Degrees in Exercise Physiology

We offer several rankings, including this Best Exercise Physiology Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.

See how we build our rankings

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Best Schools for Exercise Physiology in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall exercise physiology education, regardless of degree level.

Top Schools in Exercise Physiology

1
Rice University crest
Rice University
Houston, TX

Rice University tops our 2026 ranking of the best exercise physiology schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Houston. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Rice University awarded about 37 exercise physiology degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the exercise physiology program make about $75,299 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $11,904 to complete this degree. See the full exercise physiology program report for Rice University

2
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best exercise physiology schools. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. About 146 exercise physiology degrees were awarded at Purdue University Main Campus in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, exercise physiology degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $63,111. Purdue University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $19,844 in student loans. See the full exercise physiology program report for Purdue University Main Campus

3

Students looking for a strong exercise physiology program will find one at University Of Wisconsin Madison, which ranked #3. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates 90% of students within six years. About 11 exercise physiology degrees were awarded at University Of Wisconsin Madison in the most recent year. Exercise Physiology graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $59,877 early in their careers. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Read more about the exercise physiology program at University Of Wisconsin Madison

4
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in exercise physiology, ranking #4. This very large public university is located in the city of Salt Lake City. About 65% of students finish within six years. About 271 exercise physiology degrees were awarded at University Of Utah in the most recent year. Exercise Physiology graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $60,527 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,798. Get the full exercise physiology details for University Of Utah

5

A rank of #5 makes University Of Minnesota Twin Cities one of the top schools for exercise physiology. Set in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities awarded about 181 exercise physiology degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the exercise physiology program make about $31,613 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the exercise physiology program at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

6

University Of Southern California ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best exercise physiology schools. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Southern California awarded about 21 exercise physiology degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, exercise physiology degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $75,677. University Of Southern California graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Get the full exercise physiology details for University Of Southern California

7

Lebanon Valley College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best exercise physiology schools. Located in the suburb of Annville, Lebanon Valley College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Lebanon Valley College graduates 65% of students within six years. Lebanon Valley College awarded about 14 exercise physiology degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the exercise physiology program make about $49,801 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,767 to complete this degree. Read more about the exercise physiology program at Lebanon Valley College

8

The University Of Texas At Arlington landed the #8 spot for exercise physiology this year. The University Of Texas At Arlington is a very large public school located in the city of Arlington. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. There were roughly 15 exercise physiology students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Texas At Arlington in the most recent data year. Exercise Physiology graduates of The University Of Texas At Arlington earn a median of $55,304 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,632. See the full exercise physiology program report for The University Of Texas At Arlington

9
Skidmore College crest
Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, NY

Skidmore College placed #9 among the best exercise physiology schools. Skidmore College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saratoga Springs. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 19 exercise physiology degrees were awarded at Skidmore College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, exercise physiology degree recipients from Skidmore College generally make around $30,632. Skidmore College graduates carry a median of $13,250 in student loans. More information about a degree in exercise physiology from Skidmore College

10

Teachers College At Columbia University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best exercise physiology schools. Set in the city of New York, Teachers College At Columbia University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Teachers College At Columbia University awarded about 44 exercise physiology degrees in the most recent data year. Exercise Physiology graduates of Teachers College At Columbia University earn a median of $68,822 early in their careers. See the full exercise physiology program report for Teachers College At Columbia University

11

Sacred Heart University placed #11 among the best exercise physiology schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Fairfield. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. There were roughly 120 exercise physiology students who graduated with this degree at Sacred Heart University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the exercise physiology program make about $49,193 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,831. See the full exercise physiology program report for Sacred Heart University

12
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #12 for exercise physiology this year. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 370 exercise physiology degrees were awarded at University Of Florida in the most recent year. Students who receive their exercise physiology degree from University Of Florida earn around $34,242 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,888. Read more about the exercise physiology program at University Of Florida

13

University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #13 among the best exercise physiology schools. Set in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public institution. University Of Massachusetts Amherst graduates 83% of students within six years. There were roughly 188 exercise physiology students who graduated with this degree at University Of Massachusetts Amherst in the most recent data year. Students who receive their exercise physiology degree from University Of Massachusetts Amherst earn around $31,915 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the exercise physiology program at University Of Massachusetts Amherst

14
Auburn University crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University placed #14 among the best exercise physiology schools. Located in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public university. About 82% of students finish within six years. Auburn University awarded about 237 exercise physiology degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the exercise physiology program make about $39,401 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,250. See the full exercise physiology program report for Auburn University

15

University Of California Irvine placed #15 among the best exercise physiology schools. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. University Of California Irvine graduates 87% of students within six years. About 13 exercise physiology degrees were awarded at University Of California Irvine in the most recent year. Exercise Physiology graduates of University Of California Irvine earn a median of $50,958 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $16,539. Get the full exercise physiology details for University Of California Irvine

16
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University landed the #16 spot for exercise physiology this year. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. There were roughly 202 exercise physiology students who graduated with this degree at Florida State University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the exercise physiology program make about $23,574 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,001. Read more about the exercise physiology program at Florida State University

17

Saint Ambrose University came in at #17 for exercise physiology this year. Saint Ambrose University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Davenport. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. There were roughly 10 exercise physiology students who graduated with this degree at Saint Ambrose University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their exercise physiology degree from Saint Ambrose University earn around $57,252 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,528. Read more about the exercise physiology program at Saint Ambrose University

18

Appalachian State University placed #18 among the best exercise physiology schools. Set in the town of Boone, Appalachian State University is a very large public institution. About 74% of students finish within six years. About 211 exercise physiology degrees were awarded at Appalachian State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, exercise physiology degree recipients from Appalachian State University generally make around $42,340. Typical student debt for the program is $21,992. More information about a degree in exercise physiology from Appalachian State University

19

Brigham Young University Provo earned the #19 position for exercise physiology this year. Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Provo. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. Brigham Young University Provo awarded about 259 exercise physiology degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their exercise physiology degree from Brigham Young University Provo earn around $25,101 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,000. Read more about the exercise physiology program at Brigham Young University Provo

20

George Washington University placed #20 among the best exercise physiology schools. Set in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 19 exercise physiology students who graduated with this degree at George Washington University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their exercise physiology degree from George Washington University earn around $73,749 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,727. Get the full exercise physiology details for George Washington University

21

University At Buffalo placed #21 among the best exercise physiology schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Buffalo. About 75% of students finish within six years. About 133 exercise physiology degrees were awarded at University At Buffalo in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, exercise physiology degree recipients from University At Buffalo generally make around $29,123. Students borrow a median of $23,900 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in exercise physiology from University At Buffalo

22

West Virginia University landed the #22 spot for exercise physiology this year. West Virginia University is a very large public school located in the city of Morgantown. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. West Virginia University awarded about 163 exercise physiology degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, exercise physiology degree recipients from West Virginia University generally make around $24,463. West Virginia University graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. See the full exercise physiology program report for West Virginia University

23

University Of South Carolina Columbia landed the #23 spot for exercise physiology this year. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. About 79% of students finish within six years. About 210 exercise physiology degrees were awarded at University Of South Carolina Columbia in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, exercise physiology degree recipients from University Of South Carolina Columbia generally make around $27,374. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. More information about a degree in exercise physiology from University Of South Carolina Columbia

24
University Of Miami crest
University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami placed #24 among the best exercise physiology schools. Located in the suburb of Coral Gables, University Of Miami is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 84% of students finish within six years. University Of Miami awarded about 51 exercise physiology degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their exercise physiology degree from University Of Miami earn around $39,516 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $18,300. Get the full exercise physiology details for University Of Miami

25

Ohio University Main Campus placed #25 among the best exercise physiology schools. Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of Athens. Ohio University Main Campus graduates 65% of students within six years. There were roughly 60 exercise physiology students who graduated with this degree at Ohio University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Graduates of the exercise physiology program make about $36,886 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,786. Get the full exercise physiology details for Ohio University Main Campus

Rest of the Top 50 Exercise Physiology Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong exercise physiology education:

26
27
28
29
30
31
Gonzaga University crest
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA
32
33
Northwest University crest
Northwest University
Kirkland, WA
34
35
University Of Arkansas crest
University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
36
37
38
39
Gettysburg College crest
Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, PA
40
Lynchburg College crest
Lynchburg College
Lynchburg, VA
41
42
Taylor University crest
Taylor University
Upland, IN
43
Ithaca College crest
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY
44
Seattle University crest
Seattle University
Seattle, WA
45
46
Marquette University crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
47
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
48
49
50
Alma College crest
Alma College
Alma, MI

Honorable Mentions

These schools earned honorable mentions for exercise physiology:

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Exercise Physiology by Region

View the Best Exercise Physiology Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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Explore other rankings in majors related to Exercise Physiology. See all related rankings.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 165 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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