2026 Recreation & Fitness Rankings

Best Colleges for Recreation & Fitness

Data-driven rankings of 1,163 colleges excelling in Recreation & Fitness programs

1,163
Schools Ranked
1,160
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 1,163 ranked schools

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#1

Cortland, NY

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
94.1 / 100
94.1
Field Productivity
4.4% 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 6,780 students with in-state tuition of $7,070.

Field productivity stands at 4% (98th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#2

Springfield, MA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
92.2 / 100
92.2
Field Productivity
4.9% productivity
98%
Program Depth
7 programs
100%
Retention
84%
84%

Springfield College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 92, ranking in the 100th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 2,785 students with in-state tuition of $42,566.

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

#3

Iowa City, IA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
91.3 / 100
91.3
Field Productivity
2.2% productivity
89%
Program Depth
4 programs
91%
Retention
89%
93%

University of Iowa is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 30,042 students with in-state tuition of $9,016.

Field productivity stands at 2% (89th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#4

Oxford, OH

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
90.7 / 100
90.7
Field Productivity
1.7% productivity
81%
Program Depth
4 programs
91%
Retention
90%
94%

Miami University-Oxford is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 97th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 18,618 students with in-state tuition of $14,052.

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

#5

Buffalo, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
89.8 / 100
89.8
Field Productivity
4.3% productivity
97%
Program Depth
4 programs
91%
Retention
80%
75%

Canisius University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 97th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 2,545 students with in-state tuition of $31,100.

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

#6

Boone, NC

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
87.2 / 100
87.2
Field Productivity
1.7% productivity
82%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
85%
87%

Appalachian State University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 21,253 students with in-state tuition of $4,242.

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

#7

Davenport, IA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
87 / 100
87
Field Productivity
3.3% productivity
95%
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 87, ranking in the 98th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 2,703 students with in-state tuition of $35,318.

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

#8

Bloomington, IN

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
86.9 / 100
86.9
Field Productivity
1.2% productivity
68%
Program Depth
4 programs
91%
Retention
91%
95%

Indiana University-Bloomington is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 47,527 students with in-state tuition of $10,312.

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

#9

Irvine, CA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
86.3 / 100
86.3
Field Productivity
7.7% 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 3,481 students with in-state tuition of $40,510.

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

#10

North Andover, MA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
85.1 / 100
85.1
Field Productivity
2.0% productivity
87%
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 5,688 students with in-state tuition of $47,636.

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

#11

San Diego, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
84.8 / 100
84.8
Field Productivity
1.0% productivity
60%
Program Depth
4 programs
91%
Retention
90%
94%

San Diego State University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 85, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 39,241 students with in-state tuition of $5,742.

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

#12

Elon, NC

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
84.4 / 100
84.4
Field Productivity
1.3% productivity
72%
Program Depth
5 programs
98%
Retention
90%
94%

Elon University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 84, ranking in the 98th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 7,207 students with in-state tuition of $44,029.

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

#13

Chico, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
83.7 / 100
83.7
Field Productivity
1.7% productivity
81%
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 84, ranking in the 95th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 14,523 students with in-state tuition of $5,742.

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

#14

College Station, TX

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
83.3 / 100
83.3
Field Productivity
0.8% productivity
51%
Program Depth
4 programs
91%
Retention
94%
97%

Texas A & M University-College Station is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 83, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 76,633 students with in-state tuition of $9,003.

Field productivity stands at 1% (51st percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#15

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 10,299 students with in-state tuition of $7,974.

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

#16

Durham, NH

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
82.7 / 100
82.7
Field Productivity
1.1% productivity
65%
Program Depth
4 programs
91%
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 13,626 students with in-state tuition of $15,520.

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

#17

Moraga, CA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
82.5 / 100
82.5
Field Productivity
1.8% productivity
84%
Program Depth
4 programs
91%
Retention
85%
87%

Saint Mary's College of California is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 83, ranking in the 91th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 2,775 students with in-state tuition of $55,634.

Field productivity stands at 2% (84th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#18

Long Beach, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
82.3 / 100
82.3
Field Productivity
1.1% productivity
64%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
85%
87%

California State University-Long Beach is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 82, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 40,278 students with in-state tuition of $5,742.

Field productivity stands at 1% (64th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#19

Beverly, MA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
82.2 / 100
82.2
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 4,254 students with in-state tuition of $38,312.

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

#20

Brockport, NY

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
82.1 / 100
82.1
Field Productivity
2.5% productivity
92%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
73%
49%

SUNY Brockport is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 82, ranking in the 92th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 6,931 students with in-state tuition of $7,070.

Field productivity stands at 2% (92nd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#21

Wilmington, NC

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
80.2 / 100
80.2
Field Productivity
1.1% productivity
66%
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 80, ranking in the 93th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 17,987 students with in-state tuition of $4,443.

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

#22

Chapel Hill, NC

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
80.2 / 100
80.2
Field Productivity
1.2% productivity
70%
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 80, ranking in the 99th percentile for retention rate.

The college enrolls 32,234 students with in-state tuition of $7,019.

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

#23

Harrisonburg, VA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
80.2 / 100
80.2
Field Productivity
1.4% productivity
77%
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 80, ranking in the 97th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 22,758 students with in-state tuition of $7,914.

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

#24

California, PA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
79.7 / 100
79.7
Field Productivity
3.1% productivity
95%
Program Depth
6 programs
99%
Retention
70%
38%

Pennsylvania Western University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 80, ranking in the 99th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 11,305 students with in-state tuition of $7,716.

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

#25

Annville, PA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
79.6 / 100
79.6
Field Productivity
4.4% productivity
98%
Program Depth
2 programs
37%
Retention
83%
82%

Lebanon Valley College scores above average in the program-field ranking at 80, ranking in the 98th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 2,142 students with in-state tuition of $48,890.

Field productivity stands at 4% (98th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#26

Carpinteria, CA

Complete Data Private For-Profit
Overall Score
79.6 / 100
79.6
Field Productivity
15.4% productivity
100%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
67%
27%

Lionel University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 80, ranking in the 100th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 494 students with in-state tuition of $14,985.

Field productivity stands at 15% (100th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#27

University Heights, OH

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
79.6 / 100
79.6
Field Productivity
2.6% productivity
92%
Program Depth
2 programs
37%
Retention
85%
87%

John Carroll University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 80, ranking in the 92th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 2,773 students with in-state tuition of $47,300.

Field productivity stands at 3% (92nd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#28

Athens, GA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
79.5 / 100
79.5
Field Productivity
0.7% productivity
50%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
95%
98%

University of Georgia scores above average in the program-field ranking at 80, ranking in the 98th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 41,615 students with in-state tuition of $9,790.

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

#29

Slippery Rock, PA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
79.3 / 100
79.3
Field Productivity
1.6% productivity
80%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
81%
78%

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 88th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 8,350 students with in-state tuition of $7,716.

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

#30

Syracuse, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
79.1 / 100
79.1
Field Productivity
1.1% productivity
64%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
91%
95%

Syracuse University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 95th percentile for retention rate.

The college enrolls 22,948 students with in-state tuition of $61,310.

Field productivity stands at 1% (64th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#31

San Marcos, TX

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
78.8 / 100
78.8
Field Productivity
1.3% productivity
74%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
78%
68%

Texas State University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 38,722 students with in-state tuition of $8,606.

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

#32

McMinnville, OR

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
78.7 / 100
78.7
Field Productivity
2.0% productivity
87%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
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 1,726 students with in-state tuition of $49,810.

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

#33

Saint Peter, MN

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
78.6 / 100
78.6
Field Productivity
2.5% productivity
91%
Program Depth
2 programs
37%
Retention
84%
84%

Gustavus Adolphus College scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 98th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 1,952 students with in-state tuition of $53,570.

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

#34

West Chester, PA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
78.6 / 100
78.6
Field Productivity
1.1% productivity
64%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
84%
84%

West Chester University of Pennsylvania scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 92th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 17,076 students with in-state tuition of $7,716.

Field productivity stands at 1% (64th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#35

River Forest, IL

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
78.5 / 100
78.5
Field Productivity
7.0% productivity
99%
Program Depth
4 programs
91%
Retention
63%
17%

Concordia University-Chicago scores above average in the program-field ranking at 79, ranking in the 99th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 5,066 students with in-state tuition of $35,200.

Field productivity stands at 7% (99th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#36

Charleston, SC

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
78.4 / 100
78.4
Field Productivity
1.7% productivity
82%
Program Depth
2 programs
37%
Retention
88%
92%

Citadel Military College of South Carolina scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 97th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 3,727 students with in-state tuition of $8,356.

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

#37

Provo, UT

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
78.2 / 100
78.2
Field Productivity
0.8% productivity
50%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
89%
93%

Brigham Young University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 96th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 35,074 students with in-state tuition of $6,496.

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

#38

Ann Arbor, MI

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
78.1 / 100
78.1
Field Productivity
0.6% productivity
44%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
98%
99%

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 99th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 52,065 students with in-state tuition of $17,977.

Field productivity stands at 1% (44th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#39

Bethany, OK

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
78 / 100
78
Field Productivity
2.0% productivity
88%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
92%
96%

Southern Nazarene University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 96th percentile for retention rate.

The college enrolls 2,165 students with in-state tuition of $28,000.

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

#40

Athens, OH

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
78 / 100
78
Field Productivity
1.1% productivity
68%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
82%
81%

Ohio University-Main Campus scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 96th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 24,937 students with in-state tuition of $13,746.

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

#41

Aurora, IL

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
77.9 / 100
77.9
Field Productivity
1.4% productivity
75%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
78%
68%

Aurora University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 92th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 5,935 students with in-state tuition of $28,000.

Field productivity stands at 1% (75th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#42

Winona, MN

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
77.9 / 100
77.9
Field Productivity
1.3% productivity
74%
Program Depth
4 programs
91%
Retention
78%
68%

Winona State University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 91th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 6,058 students with in-state tuition of $8,388.

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

#43

Wingate, NC

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
77.9 / 100
77.9
Field Productivity
3.4% productivity
96%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
67%
27%

Wingate University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 96th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 3,322 students with in-state tuition of $41,631.

Field productivity stands at 3% (96th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#44

Cedar Falls, IA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
77.8 / 100
77.8
Field Productivity
1.1% productivity
67%
Program Depth
4 programs
91%
Retention
85%
87%

University of Northern Iowa scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 91th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 9,013 students with in-state tuition of $8,396.

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

#45

Philadelphia, PA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
77.6 / 100
77.6
Field Productivity
0.8% productivity
53%
Program Depth
6 programs
99%
Retention
83%
82%

Temple University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 99th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 30,205 students with in-state tuition of $21,023.

Field productivity stands at 1% (53rd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#46

Angola, IN

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
77.6 / 100
77.6
Field Productivity
1.5% productivity
79%
Program Depth
4 programs
91%
Retention
85%
87%

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

The college enrolls 4,471 students with in-state tuition of $35,000.

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

#47

Clemson, SC

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
77.6 / 100
77.6
Field Productivity
0.8% productivity
50%
Program Depth
3 programs
72%
Retention
93%
97%

Clemson University scores above average in the program-field ranking at 78, ranking in the 97th percentile for retention rate.

The college enrolls 28,747 students with in-state tuition of $14,038.

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

#48

High Point, NC

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
77.6 / 100
77.6
Field Productivity
1.7% productivity
82%
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 6,052 students with in-state tuition of $38,748.

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

#49

Naperville, IL

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
77.3 / 100
77.3
Field Productivity
2.0% productivity
88%
Program Depth
2 programs
37%
Retention
82%
81%

North Central College scores above average in the program-field ranking at 77, ranking in the 93th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 2,856 students with in-state tuition of $44,114.

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

#50

Dubuque, IA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
77.3 / 100
77.3
Field Productivity
4.5% productivity
98%
Program Depth
2 programs
37%
Retention
83%
82%

Loras College scores above average in the program-field ranking at 77, ranking in the 98th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 1,213 students with in-state tuition of $36,454.

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

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