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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Health & Physical Education Schools in the Southeast Region

167 Colleges in the United States
17,430 Health & Physical Education Degrees Awarded
$37,336 Avg Early-Career Salary

Health & Physical Education programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. The schools below stand out for the quality of their health & physical education programs.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 313 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for health & physical education students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Health & Physical Education in the Southeast Region

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

Top Schools in Health & Physical Education

1
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

Our analysis ranked James Madison University the best school in the country for a degree in health & physical education. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. James Madison University graduates 80% of students within six years. About 339 health & physical education degrees were awarded at James Madison University in the most recent year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $40,528 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,500. See the full health & physical education program report for James Madison University

2
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in health & physical education, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. University Of Florida awarded about 367 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $45,046. Students borrow a median of $19,982 to complete this degree. Read more about the health & physical education program at University Of Florida

3

Students looking for a strong health & physical education program will find one at North Carolina State University At Raleigh, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public university. About 85% of students finish within six years. About 115 health & physical education degrees were awarded at North Carolina State University At Raleigh in the most recent year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from North Carolina State University At Raleigh earn around $33,717 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 North Carolina State University At Raleigh

4
Emory University crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Emory University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best health & physical education schools. Located in the city of Atlanta, Emory University is a large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. Emory University awarded about 62 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Emory University generally make around $37,974. Emory University graduates carry a median of $19,883 in student loans. Get the full health & physical education details for Emory University

5

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in health & physical education, landing the #5 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Chapel Hill. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 327 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn around $39,401 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. More information about a degree in health & physical education from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

6

The University Of Alabama placed #6 among the best health & physical education schools. Set in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a very large public institution. Roughly 73% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 283 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Alabama 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

7

University Of Georgia placed #7 among the best health & physical education schools. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Georgia awarded about 338 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $36,359 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

8
Furman University crest
Furman University
Greenville, SC

Furman University earned the #8 position for health & physical education this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Greenville. Furman University graduates 79% of students within six years. About 70 health & physical education degrees were awarded at Furman University in the most recent year. Health & Physical Education graduates of Furman University earn a median of $36,520 early in their careers. Furman University graduates carry a median of $23,764 in student loans. Get the full health & physical education details for Furman University

9

University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best health & physical education schools. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 79%. University Of South Carolina Columbia awarded about 299 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 $37,903 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. Get the full health & physical education details for University Of South Carolina Columbia

10
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University came in at #10 for health & physical education this year. Set in the city of Winston-Salem, Wake Forest University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. About 103 health & physical education degrees were awarded at Wake Forest University in the most recent year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from Wake Forest University earn around $21,192 in the first couple years of their career. Wake Forest University graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. See the full health & physical education program report for Wake Forest University

11
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University came in at #11 for health & physical education this year. Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public university. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 272 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Florida State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from Florida State University earn around $34,630 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in health & physical education from Florida State University

12

University Of Central Florida placed #12 among the best health & physical education schools. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. Roughly 78% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 465 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Central Florida in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education graduates of University Of Central Florida earn a median of $46,398 early in their careers. University Of Central Florida graduates carry a median of $21,620 in student loans. See the full health & physical education program report for University Of Central Florida

13

University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #13 for health & physical education this year. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Charlottesville. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. There were roughly 102 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Virginia Main Campus in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $40,998 in their early career. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. See the full health & physical education program report for University Of Virginia Main Campus

14
High Point University crest
High Point University
High Point, NC

High Point University landed the #14 spot for health & physical education this year. Set in the city of High Point, High Point University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 72% of students complete a degree within six years here. High Point University awarded about 101 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from High Point University generally make around $113,352. Typical student debt for the program is $23,785. More information about a degree in health & physical education from High Point University

15

The University Of Tennessee came in at #15 for health & physical education this year. Located in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public university. About 74% of students finish within six years. The University Of Tennessee awarded about 438 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from The University Of Tennessee earn around $35,175 in the first couple years of their career. The University Of Tennessee graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Get the full health & physical education details for The University Of Tennessee

16
University Of Miami crest
University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami placed #16 among the best health & physical education schools. Located in the suburb of Coral Gables, University Of Miami is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. About 130 health & physical education degrees were awarded at University Of Miami in the most recent year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from University Of Miami earn around $46,517 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the health & physical education program at University Of Miami

17

Tulane University Of Louisiana placed #17 among the best health & physical education schools. Located in the city of New Orleans, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a large private not-for-profit university. Tulane University Of Louisiana graduates 86% of students within six years. Tulane University Of Louisiana awarded about 34 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from Tulane University Of Louisiana earn around $54,082 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,077. See the full health & physical education program report for Tulane University Of Louisiana

18

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College earned the #18 position for health & physical education this year. Set in the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a very large public institution. About 66% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 274 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $31,956 in their early career. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in health & physical education from Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

19

College Of William And Mary landed the #19 spot for health & physical education this year. College Of William And Mary is a large public school located in the suburb of Williamsburg. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 115 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at College Of William And Mary in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education graduates of College Of William And Mary earn a median of $27,114 early in their careers. College Of William And Mary graduates carry a median of $21,413 in student loans. Get the full health & physical education details for College Of William And Mary

20

Virginia Commonwealth University placed #20 among the best health & physical education schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Richmond. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. There were roughly 47 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $45,781 in their early career. Virginia Commonwealth University graduates carry a median of $23,813 in student loans. More information about a degree in health & physical education from Virginia Commonwealth University

21
Clemson University crest
Clemson University
Clemson, SC

Clemson University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best health & physical education schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Clemson. Roughly 87% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 54 health & physical education degrees were awarded at Clemson University in the most recent year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $47,774 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,783 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in health & physical education from Clemson University

22

Elon University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best health & physical education schools. Elon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Elon. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. There were roughly 101 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Elon University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $21,440 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete this degree. See the full health & physical education program report for Elon University

23

University Of North Florida earned the #23 position for health & physical education this year. This large public university is located in the city of Jacksonville. About 65% of students finish within six years. About 76 health & physical education degrees were awarded at University Of North Florida in the most recent year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from University Of North Florida earn around $33,364 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in health & physical education from University Of North Florida

24
Lipscomb University crest
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN

Lipscomb University placed #24 among the best health & physical education schools. Located in the city of Nashville, Lipscomb University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. There were roughly 27 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Lipscomb University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $48,949 in their early career. Lipscomb University graduates carry a median of $24,975 in student loans. More information about a degree in health & physical education from Lipscomb University

25

University Of North Georgia landed the #25 spot for health & physical education this year. University Of North Georgia is a very large public school located in the town of Dahlonega. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 170 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at University Of North Georgia in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from University Of North Georgia earn around $42,341 in the first couple years of their career. University Of North Georgia graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in health & physical education from University Of North Georgia

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
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
John Brown University crest
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR
36
37
38
39
Lynchburg College crest
Lynchburg College
Lynchburg, VA
40
41
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
42
Belmont University crest
Belmont University
Nashville, TN
43
44
45
46
Shenandoah University crest
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA
47
Meredith College crest
Meredith College
Raleigh, NC
48
Samford University crest
Samford University
Birmingham, AL
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
#51 American Public University System Charles Town, WV
#53 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA
#64 East Carolina University Greenville, NC
#68 Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN
#80 Arkansas State University Main Campus Jonesboro, AR
#84 Liberty University Lynchburg, VA
#88 East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN
#99 Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY
#117 University Of Memphis Memphis, TN
#190 Keiser University Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL

Honorable Mentions

Also worth considering for health & physical education:

ADBLOCK #173
View All Health & Physical Education Rankings >

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 313 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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