ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Health & Physical Education Schools in Iowa

13 Colleges in the United States
1,336 Health & Physical Education Degrees Awarded
$41,253 Avg Early-Career Salary

Health & Physical Education programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 36 schools to find the best for health & physical education students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 6
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 31.05), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Exercise & Sports Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Exercise & Sports Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Business Administration - Sport Management" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Business Administration - Sport Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Sport Management" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Sport Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MBA in Sport Management" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MBA in Sport Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Sport Management" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Sport Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Exercise Science (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Exercise Science (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 5
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 1 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 1
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 0 offers with relevance >= 1.0
DEBUG: Backfilling with 0 offers with relevance >= 0.9
DEBUG: Backfilling with 1 offers with relevance >= 0.8

Best Schools for Health & Physical Education in Iowa

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall health & physical education education in Iowa.

Top Schools in Health & Physical Education

1
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

Our analysis ranked University Of Iowa the best school in the country for a degree in health & physical education. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. University Of Iowa graduates 75% of students within six years. University Of Iowa awarded about 552 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from University Of Iowa earn around $32,737 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Iowa graduates carry a median of $23,813 in student loans. More information about a degree in health & physical education from University Of Iowa

2

Iowa State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best health & physical education schools. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public university. Iowa State University graduates 75% of students within six years. About 238 health & physical education degrees were awarded at Iowa State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $36,492. Students borrow a median of $25,425 to complete this degree. Read more about the health & physical education program at Iowa State University

3

Northwestern College Iowa is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in health & physical education, ranking #3. Set in the town of Orange City, Northwestern College Iowa is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 66% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 23 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern College Iowa in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Northwestern College Iowa generally make around $54,845. Northwestern College Iowa graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. See the full health & physical education program report for Northwestern College Iowa

4

University Of Northern Iowa came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best health & physical education schools. Located in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public university. About 68% of students finish within six years. University Of Northern Iowa awarded about 56 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $37,954. University Of Northern Iowa graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. See the full health & physical education program report for University Of Northern Iowa

5
Luther College crest
Luther College
Decorah, IA

Luther College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in health & physical education, ranking #5. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Decorah. About 71% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 11 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Luther College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Luther College generally make around $42,426. Luther College graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the health & physical education program at Luther College

6
Grand View University crest
Grand View University
Des Moines, IA

Grand View University landed the #6 spot for health & physical education this year. Set in the city of Des Moines, Grand View University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 56 health & physical education degrees were awarded at Grand View University in the most recent year. Health & Physical Education graduates of Grand View University earn a median of $43,236 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,921. More information about a degree in health & physical education from Grand View University

7

Saint Ambrose University came in at #7 for health & physical education this year. Located in the city of Davenport, Saint Ambrose University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. About 73 health & physical education degrees were awarded at Saint Ambrose University in the most recent year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from Saint Ambrose University earn around $26,608 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the health & physical education program at Saint Ambrose University

8
Simpson College crest
Simpson College
Indianola, IA

Simpson College earned the #8 position for health & physical education this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Indianola. About 63% of students finish within six years. Simpson College awarded about 17 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Simpson College generally make around $38,158. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Read more about the health & physical education program at Simpson College

9

Des Moines Area Community College placed #9 among the best health & physical education schools. Located in the suburb of Ankeny, Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public university. There were roughly 20 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Des Moines Area Community College in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education graduates of Des Moines Area Community College earn a median of $43,121 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $14,956. See the full health & physical education program report for Des Moines Area Community College

10
Buena Vista University crest
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA

Buena Vista University placed #10 among the best health & physical education schools. Set in the town of Storm Lake, Buena Vista University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. About 10 health & physical education degrees were awarded at Buena Vista University in the most recent year. Health & Physical Education graduates of Buena Vista University earn a median of $38,356 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Get the full health & physical education details for Buena Vista University

11
Waldorf College crest
Waldorf College
Forest City, IA

Waldorf College landed the #11 spot for health & physical education this year. Waldorf College is a mid-sized private for-profit school located in the rural area of Forest City. About 24% of students finish within six years. Waldorf College awarded about 18 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education graduates of Waldorf College earn a median of $63,346 early in their careers. Waldorf College graduates carry a median of $24,622 in student loans. More information about a degree in health & physical education from Waldorf College

12
Dordt College crest
Dordt College
Sioux Center, IA

Dordt College placed #12 among the best health & physical education schools. Dordt College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Sioux Center. Dordt College graduates 74% of students within six years. There were roughly 15 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Dordt College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health & physical education degree recipients from Dordt College generally make around $54,926. Students borrow a median of $21,812 to complete this degree. See the full health & physical education program report for Dordt College

13
Coe College crest
Coe College
Cedar Rapids, IA

Coe College landed the #13 spot for health & physical education this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Cedar Rapids. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. There were roughly 17 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Coe College in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education graduates of Coe College earn a median of $44,511 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. See the full health & physical education program report for Coe College

14
Kirkwood Community College crest
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA

Kirkwood Community College came in at #14 for health & physical education this year. Kirkwood Community College is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Rapids. Kirkwood Community College awarded about 10 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education graduates of Kirkwood Community College earn a median of $41,681 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $15,779 to complete this degree. See the full health & physical education program report for Kirkwood Community College

15

University Of Dubuque landed the #15 spot for health & physical education this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Dubuque. Roughly 40% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Dubuque awarded about 37 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education graduates of University Of Dubuque earn a median of $37,528 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,560 to complete this degree. Get the full health & physical education details for University Of Dubuque

16
Cornell College crest
Cornell College
Mount Vernon, IA

Cornell College earned the #16 position for health & physical education this year. Cornell College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Mount Vernon. Cornell College graduates 62% of students within six years. Cornell College awarded about 22 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Health & Physical Education graduates of Cornell College earn a median of $35,439 early in their careers. Cornell College graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the health & physical education program at Cornell College

17
Clarke University crest
Clarke University
Dubuque, IA

Clarke University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best health & physical education schools. Clarke University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Dubuque. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 16 health & physical education degrees were awarded at Clarke University in the most recent year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $31,013 in their early career. Clarke University graduates carry a median of $26,974 in student loans. Read more about the health & physical education program at Clarke University

18
Wartburg College crest
Wartburg College
Waverly, IA

Wartburg College placed #18 among the best health & physical education schools. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Waverly. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. About 17 health & physical education degrees were awarded at Wartburg College in the most recent year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $46,918 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,793 to complete this degree. Read more about the health & physical education program at Wartburg College

19
Loras College crest
Loras College
Dubuque, IA

Loras College placed #19 among the best health & physical education schools. Located in the city of Dubuque, Loras College is a small private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. There were roughly 35 health & physical education students who graduated with this degree at Loras College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health & physical education degree from Loras College earn around $31,493 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. More information about a degree in health & physical education from Loras College

20
Briar Cliff University crest
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, IA

Briar Cliff University placed #20 among the best health & physical education schools. Briar Cliff University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Sioux City. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. Briar Cliff University awarded about 18 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $61,105 in their early career. Briar Cliff University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in health & physical education from Briar Cliff University

21

Upper Iowa University came in at #21 for health & physical education this year. Set in the rural area of Fayette, Upper Iowa University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 33% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 22 health & physical education degrees were awarded at Upper Iowa University in the most recent year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $35,361 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,641 to complete this degree. See the full health & physical education program report for Upper Iowa University

22

William Penn University placed #22 among the best health & physical education schools. William Penn University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Oskaloosa. Roughly 33% of students complete a degree within six years here. William Penn University awarded about 53 health & physical education degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health & physical education program make about $30,314 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Get the full health & physical education details for William Penn University

ADBLOCK #173
View All Health & Physical Education Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 36 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options