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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Health & Physical Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools

533 Colleges in the United States
36,803 Health & Physical Education Degrees Awarded
$39,670 Avg Early-Career Salary

Health & Physical Education is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 1421 schools to find the best for health & physical education students.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Health & Physical Education in the United States

Below are the best health & physical education schools at the bachelor’s degree level, ranked by the quality of the education they deliver.

Top Schools in Health & Physical Education

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor tops our 2026 ranking of the best health & physical education schools. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor awarded about 318 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $43,506 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,135 to complete this degree. Get the full health & physical education details for University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

2

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in health & physical education, ranking #2. This very large public university is located in the city of University Park. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus awarded about 221 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. More information about a degree in health & physical education from Pennsylvania State University Main Campus

3

University Of St Thomas Minnesota is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in health & physical education, ranking #3. University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Paul. University Of St Thomas Minnesota graduates 77% of students within six years. There were roughly 46 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at University Of St Thomas Minnesota in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from University Of St Thomas Minnesota earn around $65,183 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $23,923 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in health & physical education from University Of St Thomas Minnesota

4

A rank of #4 makes The College Of New Jersey one of the top schools for health & physical education. The College Of New Jersey is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Ewing. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. About 65 health & physical education degrees were awarded at The College Of New Jersey in the most recent year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from The College Of New Jersey earn around $56,617 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,429. Get the full health & physical education details for The College Of New Jersey

5

Students looking for a strong health & physical education program will find one at San Jose State University, which ranked #5. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. About 261 health & physical education degrees were awarded at San Jose State University in the most recent year. Get the full health & physical education details for San Jose State University

6

Texas A And M University College Station placed #6 among the best health & physical education schools. Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public school located in the city of College Station. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 549 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Texas A And M University College Station in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $37,044 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $20,414 to complete this degree. See the full health & physical education program report for Texas A And M University College Station

7
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University landed the #7 spot for health & physical education this year. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. About 315 health & physical education degrees were awarded at James Madison University in the most recent year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from James Madison University earn around $35,955 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,500. See the full health & physical education program report for James Madison University

8
Rice University crest
Rice University
Houston, TX

Rice University came in at #8 for health & physical education this year. Located in the city of Houston, Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Rice University awarded about 24 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $51,110 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $10,000. Get the full health & physical education details for Rice University

9

North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #9 among the best health & physical education schools. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public school located in the city of Raleigh. North Carolina State University At Raleigh graduates 85% of students within six years. North Carolina State University At Raleigh awarded about 115 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $33,717 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete this degree. Get the full health & physical education details for North Carolina State University At Raleigh

10

Indiana University Bloomington landed the #10 spot for health & physical education this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Bloomington. Indiana University Bloomington graduates 80% of students within six years. About 410 health & physical education degrees were awarded at Indiana University Bloomington in the most recent year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $35,873 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,657 to complete this degree. Read more about the health & physical education program at Indiana University Bloomington

11

University Of Georgia earned the #11 position for health & physical education this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Athens. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 281 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Georgia in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $33,108 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete this degree. See the full health & physical education program report for University Of Georgia

12
University Of Kansas crest
University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas came in at #12 for health & physical education this year. University Of Kansas is a very large public school located in the city of Lawrence. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. About 223 health & physical education degrees were awarded at University Of Kansas in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from University Of Kansas generally make around $33,891. Typical student debt for the program is $22,125. See the full health & physical education program report for University Of Kansas

13

University Of Maryland College Park placed #13 among the best health & physical education schools. Located in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public university. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Maryland College Park awarded about 179 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from University Of Maryland College Park generally make around $31,403. Students borrow a median of $23,138 to complete this degree. Get the full health & physical education details for University Of Maryland College Park

14

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #14 among the best health & physical education schools. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill awarded about 295 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn around $31,165 in the first couple years of their career. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill graduates carry a median of $16,575 in student loans. Get the full health & physical education details for University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

15

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned the #15 position for health & physical education this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Minneapolis. About 85% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 82 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $36,050 early in their careers. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Read more about the health & physical education program at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

16

The University Of Texas At Austin earned the #16 position for health & physical education this year. Located in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public university. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. About 319 health & physical education degrees were awarded at The University Of Texas At Austin in the most recent year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $35,583 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,361. Get the full health & physical education details for The University Of Texas At Austin

17
Emory University crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Emory University landed the #17 spot for health & physical education this year. Emory University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Atlanta. About 91% of students finish within six years. Emory University awarded about 62 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $37,974 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,883. See the full health & physical education program report for Emory University

18

The University Of Alabama earned the #18 position for health & physical education this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Tuscaloosa. The University Of Alabama graduates 73% of students within six years. The University Of Alabama awarded about 264 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from The University Of Alabama generally make around $50,740. Students borrow a median of $24,496 to complete this degree. Get the full health & physical education details for The University Of Alabama

19

University Of South Carolina Columbia came in at #19 for health & physical education this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Columbia. The six-year graduation rate is 79%. University Of South Carolina Columbia awarded about 248 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from University Of South Carolina Columbia earn around $40,702 in the first couple years of their career. University Of South Carolina Columbia graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Read more about the health & physical education program at University Of South Carolina Columbia

20

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earned the #20 position for health & physical education this year. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 188 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn around $31,187 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,425 to complete this degree. Get the full health & physical education details for University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

21
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida earned the #21 position for health & physical education this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Gainesville. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Florida awarded about 143 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $39,717 in their early career. University Of Florida graduates carry a median of $19,982 in student loans. Get the full health & physical education details for University Of Florida

22

Saint Louis University Main Campus placed #22 among the best health & physical education schools. Located in the city of Saint Louis, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a large private not-for-profit university. Saint Louis University Main Campus graduates 80% of students within six years. There were roughly 108 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Saint Louis University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Saint Louis University Main Campus generally make around $65,599. Typical student debt for the program is $26,316. Get the full health & physical education details for Saint Louis University Main Campus

23

Suny College At Oneonta came in at #23 for health & physical education this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the town of Oneonta. About 69% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 94 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Suny College At Oneonta in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $36,119 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,600. See the full health & physical education program report for Suny College At Oneonta

24

Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #24 spot for health & physical education this year. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. Ohio State University Main Campus awarded about 168 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from Ohio State University Main Campus earn around $36,592 in the first couple years of their career. Ohio State University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in health & physical education from Ohio State University Main Campus

25

Southern Methodist University came in at #25 for health & physical education this year. Located in the suburb of Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. There were roughly 130 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Southern Methodist University in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education graduates of Southern Methodist University earn a median of $45,519 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,475. More information about a degree in health & physical education from Southern Methodist University

Rest of the Top 50 Health & Physical Education Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s health & physical education ranking:

26
27
28
Furman University crest
Furman University
Greenville, SC
29
30
31
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
32
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
33
34
35
36
37
38
Merrimack College crest
Merrimack College
North Andover, MA
39
University Of Miami crest
University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
40
41
42
43
44
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
45
46
47
48
49
50

Additional Health & Physical Education Award Winners

These schools also earned a top-quality badge for health & physical education this year:

Rank School Location
#52 Iowa State University Ames, IA
#54 Ohio University Main Campus Athens, OH
#55 Towson University Towson, MD
#56 University Of Illinois At Chicago Chicago, IL
#59 Colorado State University Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO
#62 Rutgers University New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ
#65 University Of San Francisco San Francisco, CA
#66 College Of William And Mary Williamsburg, VA
#72 California State University Long Beach Long Beach, CA
#73 Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA
#73 San Diego State University San Diego, CA
#81 Saint Marys College Of California Moraga, CA
#82 University Of Delaware Newark, DE
#85 Arizona State University Tempe, AZ
#86 Elon University Elon, NC
#89 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI
#95 University Of Wisconsin La Crosse La Crosse, WI
#98 Syracuse University Syracuse, NY
#103 Washington State University Pullman, WA
#106 Tarleton State University Stephenville, TX
#107 Temple University Philadelphia, PA
#110 Endicott College Beverly, MA
#113 Ball State University Muncie, IN
#115 Winona State University Winona, MN
#116 Oregon State University Corvallis, OR

Honorable Mentions

Also worth considering for health & physical education:

Other Health & Physical Education Degree Levels

Explore the best health & physical education schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Health & Physical Education
Associate's Degrees in Health & Physical Education
Master's Degrees in Health & Physical Education
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View All Health & Physical Education Rankings >

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 1421 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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