2026 Recreation & Fitness Rankings

Best Colleges for Recreation & Fitness

Data-driven rankings of 1,199 colleges excelling in Recreation & Fitness programs

1,199
Schools Ranked
1,196
Full Data Rankings
3
Partial Data Rankings
12
Unique Programs
Rankings based on field productivity, program depth, retention rates, and institutional quality in Recreation & Fitness.
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Top Colleges for Recreation & Fitness

Showing 1-50 of 1,199 ranked schools

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#1

Cortland, NY

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
94.3 / 100
94.3
Field Productivity
4.7% productivity
98%
Program Depth
7 programs
100%
Retention
81%
78%

State University of New York at Cortland is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 94, ranking in the 100th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 6,938 students with in-state tuition of $7,070 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 5% (98th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#2

Springfield, MA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
92.9 / 100
92.9
Field Productivity
6.3% productivity
99%
Program Depth
7 programs
100%
Retention
84%
84%

Springfield College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 93, ranking in the 100th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 2,599 students with in-state tuition of $42,566 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 6% (99th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#3

Buffalo, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
90.6 / 100
90.6
Field Productivity
4.7% productivity
98%
Program Depth
4 programs
90%
Retention
80%
75%

Canisius University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 98th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 2,451 students with in-state tuition of $31,100 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 5% (98th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#4

Oxford, OH

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
90 / 100
90
Field Productivity
1.6% productivity
80%
Program Depth
4 programs
90%
Retention
90%
94%

Miami University-Oxford is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 96th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 18,838 students with in-state tuition of $14,052 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (80th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#5

Iowa City, IA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
90 / 100
90
Field Productivity
1.9% productivity
85%
Program Depth
4 programs
90%
Retention
89%
93%

University of Iowa is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 30,779 students with in-state tuition of $9,016 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (85th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#6

Elon, NC

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
87.6 / 100
87.6
Field Productivity
1.6% productivity
80%
Program Depth
5 programs
98%
Retention
90%
94%

Elon University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 88, ranking in the 98th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 7,239 students with in-state tuition of $44,029 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (80th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#7

Bloomington, IN

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
86.6 / 100
86.6
Field Productivity
1.1% productivity
68%
Program Depth
4 programs
90%
Retention
91%
95%

Indiana University-Bloomington is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 48,424 students with in-state tuition of $10,312 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (68th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#8

San Diego, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
86.3 / 100
86.3
Field Productivity
1.0% productivity
65%
Program Depth
4 programs
90%
Retention
90%
94%

San Diego State University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 86, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 41,137 students with in-state tuition of $5,742 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (65th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#9

Irvine, CA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
86.1 / 100
86.1
Field Productivity
7.8% productivity
99%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
76%
60%

Concordia University-Irvine is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 86, ranking in the 99th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 3,658 students with in-state tuition of $40,510 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 8% (99th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#10

Davenport, IA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
85.9 / 100
85.9
Field Productivity
3.0% productivity
94%
Program Depth
5 programs
98%
Retention
84%
84%

Saint Ambrose University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 86, ranking in the 98th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 2,498 students with in-state tuition of $35,318 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 3% (94th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#11

College Station, TX

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
85.3 / 100
85.3
Field Productivity
0.9% productivity
58%
Program Depth
4 programs
90%
Retention
94%
97%

Texas A & M University-College Station is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 85, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 78,321 students with in-state tuition of $9,003 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (58th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#12

College Station, TX

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
85.3 / 100
85.3
Field Productivity
0.9% productivity
58%
Program Depth
4 programs
90%
Retention
94%
97%

Texas A&M University-College Station is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 85, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 78,321 students with in-state tuition of $9,003 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (58th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#13

North Andover, MA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
84.5 / 100
84.5
Field Productivity
1.8% productivity
85%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
84%
84%

Merrimack College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 85, ranking in the 92th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 5,862 students with in-state tuition of $47,636 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (85th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#14

University Heights, OH

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
84.3 / 100
84.3
Field Productivity
2.4% productivity
90%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
85%
87%

John Carroll University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 84, ranking in the 90th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 2,864 students with in-state tuition of $47,300 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (90th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#15

Moraga, CA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
83.8 / 100
83.8
Field Productivity
2.0% productivity
86%
Program Depth
4 programs
90%
Retention
85%
87%

Saint Mary's College of California is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 84, ranking in the 90th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 2,734 students with in-state tuition of $55,634 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (86th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#16

Long Beach, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
83.6 / 100
83.6
Field Productivity
0.9% productivity
60%
Program Depth
4 programs
90%
Retention
85%
87%

California State University-Long Beach is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 84, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 42,003 students with in-state tuition of $5,742 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (60th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#17

Chico, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
83.1 / 100
83.1
Field Productivity
1.6% productivity
79%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
84%
84%

California State University-Chico is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 83, ranking in the 95th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 15,257 students with in-state tuition of $5,742 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (79th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#18

Durham, NH

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
82.9 / 100
82.9
Field Productivity
1.1% productivity
66%
Program Depth
4 programs
90%
Retention
86%
89%

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 83, ranking in the 91th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 13,554 students with in-state tuition of $15,520 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (66th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#19

La Crosse, WI

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
82.8 / 100
82.8
Field Productivity
2.4% productivity
91%
Program Depth
2 programs
37%
Retention
86%
89%

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 83, ranking in the 95th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 10,446 students with in-state tuition of $7,974 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (91st percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#20

Wilmington, NC

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
82.2 / 100
82.2
Field Productivity
1.2% productivity
72%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
85%
87%

University of North Carolina Wilmington is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 82, ranking in the 94th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 18,848 students with in-state tuition of $4,443 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (72nd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#21

Beverly, MA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
82.1 / 100
82.1
Field Productivity
2.9% productivity
94%
Program Depth
2 programs
37%
Retention
88%
92%

Endicott College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 82, ranking in the 94th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 4,394 students with in-state tuition of $38,312 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 3% (94th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#22

Chapel Hill, NC

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
81.4 / 100
81.4
Field Productivity
1.3% productivity
74%
Program Depth
2 programs
37%
Retention
97%
99%

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 81, ranking in the 99th percentile for retention rate.

The college enrolls 32,438 students with in-state tuition of $7,019 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (74th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#23

Athens, GA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
80.9 / 100
80.9
Field Productivity
0.8% productivity
54%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
95%
98%

University of Georgia is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 81, ranking in the 98th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 43,146 students with in-state tuition of $9,790 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (54th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#24

Harrisonburg, VA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
80.6 / 100
80.6
Field Productivity
1.5% productivity
78%
Program Depth
2 programs
37%
Retention
90%
94%

James Madison University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 81, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 22,740 students with in-state tuition of $7,914 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (78th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#25

Brockport, NY

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
80.6 / 100
80.6
Field Productivity
2.0% productivity
87%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
73%
49%

SUNY Brockport is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 81, ranking in the 91th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 7,482 students with in-state tuition of $7,070 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (87th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#26

Fresno, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
80.5 / 100
80.5
Field Productivity
1.5% productivity
77%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
78%
68%

California State University-Fresno is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 81, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 24,427 students with in-state tuition of $5,742 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (77th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#27

Sacramento, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
80.3 / 100
80.3
Field Productivity
1.2% productivity
70%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
81%
78%

California State University-Sacramento is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 80, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 31,943 students with in-state tuition of $5,742 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (70th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#28

Towson, MD

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
80.3 / 100
80.3
Field Productivity
1.3% productivity
74%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
83%
82%

Towson University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 80, ranking in the 95th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 19,401 students with in-state tuition of $7,382 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (74th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#29

Ann Arbor, MI

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
80.2 / 100
80.2
Field Productivity
0.7% productivity
50%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
98%
100%

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 80, ranking in the 100th percentile for retention rate.

The college enrolls 52,855 students with in-state tuition of $17,977 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (50th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#30

Aurora, IL

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
80 / 100
80
Field Productivity
1.6% productivity
80%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
78%
68%

Aurora University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 80, ranking in the 92th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 5,923 students with in-state tuition of $28,000 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (80th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#31

West Chester, PA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
79.7 / 100
79.7
Field Productivity
1.1% productivity
67%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
84%
84%

West Chester University of Pennsylvania scores above average in the program-field ranking at 80, ranking in the 93th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 17,171 students with in-state tuition of $7,716 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (67th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#32

Winona, MN

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
79.5 / 100
79.5
Field Productivity
1.5% productivity
78%
Program Depth
4 programs
90%
Retention
78%
68%

Winona State University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 80, ranking in the 90th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 6,045 students with in-state tuition of $8,388 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (78th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#33

Annville, PA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
79 / 100
79
Field Productivity
3.7% productivity
97%
Program Depth
2 programs
37%
Retention
83%
82%

Lebanon Valley College scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 97th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 2,146 students with in-state tuition of $48,890 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 4% (97th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#34

Angola, IN

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
79 / 100
79
Field Productivity
1.7% productivity
82%
Program Depth
4 programs
90%
Retention
85%
87%

Trine University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 90th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 4,646 students with in-state tuition of $35,000 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (82nd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#35

Madison, WI

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
78.9 / 100
78.9
Field Productivity
0.5% productivity
39%
Program Depth
4 programs
90%
Retention
95%
98%

University of Wisconsin-Madison scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 99th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 51,044 students with in-state tuition of $9,644 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (39th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#36

California, PA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
78.9 / 100
78.9
Field Productivity
2.9% productivity
93%
Program Depth
6 programs
99%
Retention
70%
38%

Pennsylvania Western University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 99th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 10,834 students with in-state tuition of $7,716 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 3% (93rd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#37

Provo, UT

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
78.8 / 100
78.8
Field Productivity
0.8% productivity
52%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
89%
93%

Brigham Young University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 96th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 35,873 students with in-state tuition of $6,496 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (52nd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#38

Bismarck, ND

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
78.7 / 100
78.7
Field Productivity
1.4% productivity
77%
Program Depth
5 programs
98%
Retention
83%
82%

University of Mary scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 98th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 3,861 students with in-state tuition of $19,084 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (77th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#39

McMinnville, OR

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
78.7 / 100
78.7
Field Productivity
3.1% productivity
95%
Program Depth
2 programs
37%
Retention
79%
72%

Linfield University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 97th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 1,709 students with in-state tuition of $49,810 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 3% (95th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#40

Wingate, NC

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
78.6 / 100
78.6
Field Productivity
3.8% productivity
97%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
67%
27%

Wingate University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 97th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 3,458 students with in-state tuition of $41,631 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 4% (97th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#41

Carpinteria, CA

Complete Data Private For-Profit
Overall Score
78.5 / 100
78.5
Field Productivity
13.4% productivity
100%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
67%
27%

Lionel University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 100th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 403 students with in-state tuition of $14,985 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 13% (100th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#42

Delaware, OH

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
78.4 / 100
78.4
Field Productivity
2.1% productivity
88%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
84%
84%

Ohio Wesleyan University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 88th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 1,525 students with in-state tuition of $51,710 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (88th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#43

River Forest, IL

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
78.2 / 100
78.2
Field Productivity
7.7% productivity
99%
Program Depth
4 programs
90%
Retention
63%
17%

Concordia University-Chicago scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 99th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 4,770 students with in-state tuition of $35,200 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 8% (99th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#44

Sioux Falls, SD

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
78.1 / 100
78.1
Field Productivity
2.5% productivity
91%
Program Depth
2 programs
37%
Retention
84%
84%

Augustana University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 91th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 2,390 students with in-state tuition of $38,150 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (91st percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#45

Austin, TX

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
78 / 100
78
Field Productivity
0.6% productivity
45%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
96%
99%

The University of Texas at Austin scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 99th percentile for retention rate.

The college enrolls 53,864 students with in-state tuition of $11,678 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (45th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#46

Slippery Rock, PA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
77.9 / 100
77.9
Field Productivity
1.4% productivity
76%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
81%
78%

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 87th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 8,376 students with in-state tuition of $7,716 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (76th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#47

San Marcos, TX

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
77.7 / 100
77.7
Field Productivity
1.2% productivity
71%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
78%
68%

Texas State University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 40,674 students with in-state tuition of $8,606 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 1% (71st percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#48

High Point, NC

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
77.5 / 100
77.5
Field Productivity
1.6% productivity
81%
Program Depth
2 programs
37%
Retention
84%
84%

High Point University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 90th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 6,331 students with in-state tuition of $38,748 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (81st percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#49

Greenville, SC

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
77.4 / 100
77.4
Field Productivity
1.7% productivity
83%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
81%
78%

Bob Jones University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 77, ranking in the 83th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 2,734 students with in-state tuition of $19,756 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 2% (83rd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#50

Greenville, SC

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
77.4 / 100
77.4
Field Productivity
2.7% productivity
93%
Program Depth
1 programs
0%
Retention
91%
95%

Furman University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 77, ranking in the 98th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 2,554 students with in-state tuition of $57,902 (excl. fees).

Field productivity stands at 3% (93rd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

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