Kinesiology Degree Programs

Arkansas · Bachelor's ranking

Best Kinesiology Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas

10 bachelor's programs in exercise science and kinesiology, ranked on graduation rate, admissions selectivity, in-state cost, and field outcomes.

Last updated

Programs ranked
10
In-state tuition
$5,685 to $33,780
Avg graduation rate
54%
Median wage (BLS)
$59,460

What Bachelor's in Kinesiology Programs in Arkansas Cost and Who Gets In

We scored all 568 bachelor's programs in exercise science and kinesiology (CIP 31.0505) on the same weighted model, then pulled the 10 highest scoring in Arkansas. Harding University leads the state with a score of 84.5, which is national rank 76 out of 568. None of the 10 crack the national top 25, so read the scores below rather than assuming a national reputation.

In-state tuition runs from $5,685 to $33,780 across the 10 programs with a published rate. The 10 schools with a published graduation rate average 54%. Average admit rate across the 9 schools publishing one is 76%. Together they conferred 315 bachelor's degrees in the field in the latest IPEDS completions year.

5 of the 10 are public institutions and 5 are private. One is flagged as offering an online option.

All 10 Bachelor's in Kinesiology Programs in Arkansas, Ranked (2026)

Each bar shows where the program’s national score falls between 50 and 100, ticked at 75 for the middle of the range.

  1. Rank 1: Harding University

    Exercise Science

    Searcy, AR · Private nonprofit · town campus

    Our score

    1st of 10 in Arkansas

    National rank 76 of 568

    Harding's $25,290 in-state tuition sits almost exactly on the $25,000 median for its 568 programs at this level, yet its 69% graduation rate still clears that group of comparable programs's 55% median by 14 points.

    Harding University leads Arkansas at 84.5, ahead of the other 9 programs ranked here. In-state tuition of $25,290 is above the state midpoint, where the published range runs $5,685 to $33,780. Its 69% graduation rate sits against a 34% to 72% spread across the 10 Arkansas schools that report one.

    It admits 71% of applicants, against 63% to 96% across Arkansas. It confers 40 bachelor's degrees a year, 13% of the 315 awarded across Arkansas at this level. Nationally it is 76th of the 568 bachelor's programs scored at this level.

    • Shares Ganus Activities Complex with athletics
    • 120 credit hours over four years
    • Curriculum framed around a Christian worldview
    • 71% admit rate
    • 40 degrees conferred a year
    Graduation rate
    69%
    Admit rate
    71%
    In-state tuition
    $25,290
    Out-of-state tuition
    $25,290
    Cost of attendance
    $39,986
    Undergrad enrollment
    3,536
    Degrees conferred
    40

    View Harding University's Exercise Science www.harding.edu

  2. Rank 2: John Brown University

    Kinesiology

    Siloam Springs, AR · Private nonprofit · town campus

    Our score

    2nd of 10 in Arkansas

    National rank 110 of 568

    JBU offers undergraduate cadaver dissection, a rarity shared by only one other Arkansas university, the hands-on edge behind its score of 82.0, close to same-state programs like Harding (84.5) and Ouachita Baptist (79.3).

    John Brown University places 2nd of 10 in Arkansas at 82, with 1 program scoring above it. In-state tuition of $30,374 is in the dearer quarter of the state, where the published range runs $5,685 to $33,780. Its 72% graduation rate sits against a 34% to 72% spread across the 10 Arkansas schools that report one.

    It admits 76% of applicants, against 63% to 96% across Arkansas. It confers 16 bachelor's degrees a year, 5% of the 315 awarded across Arkansas at this level.

    • Lab sections capped at 20 students
    • Walton Lifetime Health Complex training space
    • Health and wellness or sports medicine emphasis
    • $30,374 flat tuition regardless of residency
    Graduation rate
    72%
    Admit rate
    76%
    In-state tuition
    $30,374
    Out-of-state tuition
    $30,374
    Cost of attendance
    $45,418
    Undergrad enrollment
    1,948
    Degrees conferred
    16

    View John Brown University's Kinesiology www.jbu.edu

  3. Rank 3: Ouachita Baptist University

    Kinesiology B.A.

    Arkadelphia, AR · Private nonprofit · town campus · online option

    Our score

    3rd of 10 in Arkansas

    National rank 159 of 568

    Ouachita's five-emphasis kinesiology B.A. pushes exercise-science majors toward an ACSM certification while teaching majors take on a second education major and a licensure internship.

    Ouachita Baptist University places 3rd of 10 in Arkansas at 79.3, with 2 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $33,780 is the highest in the state, where the published range runs $5,685 to $33,780. Its 61% graduation rate sits against a 34% to 72% spread across the 10 Arkansas schools that report one.

    It is also the only one here flagged in IPEDS as offering an online option. It admits 68% of applicants, against 63% to 96% across Arkansas. It confers 14 bachelor's degrees a year, 4% of the 315 awarded across Arkansas at this level.

    • Five kinesiology emphases, each also a 21-hour minor
    • Cadaver dissection with an orthopedic surgeon
    • Concussion clinic serving five counties
    • Senior placement with a practicing exercise professional
    Graduation rate
    61%
    Admit rate
    68%
    In-state tuition
    $33,780
    Out-of-state tuition
    $33,780
    Cost of attendance
    $50,360
    Undergrad enrollment
    1,729
    Degrees conferred
    14

    View Ouachita Baptist University's Kinesiology B.A. obu.edu

  4. Rank 4: Arkansas State University

    Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

    Jonesboro, AR · Public · city campus

    Our score

    4th of 10 in Arkansas

    National rank 215 of 568

    Arkansas State's total enrollment of 15,726, in the 84th percentile of exercise science comparable programs nationally, does more than any other input to hold its score above the 73.3 median for the level.

    Arkansas State University places 4th of 10 in Arkansas at 76.2, with 3 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $7,488 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $5,685 to $33,780. Its 55% graduation rate sits against a 34% to 72% spread across the 10 Arkansas schools that report one.

    It admits 82% of applicants, against 63% to 96% across Arkansas. It confers 68 bachelor's degrees a year, 22% of the 315 awarded across Arkansas at this level. Residency is worth $6,432 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $13,920 out-of-state rate.

    • On-campus Human Performance Lab for hands-on coursework
    • 120 credit hours required for the degree
    • 3.0 high school GPA required for admission
    • Housed in the College of Education and Behavioral Science
    Graduation rate
    55%
    Admit rate
    82%
    In-state tuition
    $7,488
    Out-of-state tuition
    $13,920
    Cost of attendance
    $27,114
    Undergrad enrollment
    9,985
    Degrees conferred
    68

    View ASU's Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science www.astate.edu

  5. Rank 5: Lyon College

    Exercise Science

    Batesville, AR · Private nonprofit · town campus

    Our score

    5th of 10 in Arkansas

    National rank 333 of 568

    A 63% admit rate puts Lyon College at the 83rd percentile for selectivity among exercise science bachelor's programs, the single biggest lift behind its score.

    Lyon College places 5th of 10 in Arkansas at 71.6, with 4 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $29,900 is in the dearer quarter of the state, where the published range runs $5,685 to $33,780. Its 47% graduation rate sits against a 34% to 72% spread across the 10 Arkansas schools that report one.

    It admits 63% of applicants, against 63% to 96% across Arkansas. It confers 11 bachelor's degrees a year, 3% of the 315 awarded across Arkansas at this level.

    • Choice of BA or BS within one major
    • 12 to 1 student-teacher ratio
    • 98% employed or in grad school
    • Senior capstone in exercise science
    Graduation rate
    47%
    Admit rate
    63%
    In-state tuition
    $29,900
    Out-of-state tuition
    $29,900
    Cost of attendance
    $45,750
    Undergrad enrollment
    657
    Degrees conferred
    11

    View Lyon College's Exercise Science www.lyon.edu

  6. Rank 6: University of Central Arkansas

    B.S. in Exercise Science

    Conway, AR · Public · city campus

    Our score

    6th of 10 in Arkansas

    National rank 334 of 568

    Students chasing ACSM, NSCA and AACVPR aligned certifications like the CSCS, more than a selective admit rate, should shortlist UCA's exercise science program, which graduates 103 majors a year.

    University of Central Arkansas places 6th of 10 in Arkansas at 71.6, with 5 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $7,500 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $5,685 to $33,780. Its 54% graduation rate sits against a 34% to 72% spread across the 10 Arkansas schools that report one.

    It admits 89% of applicants, against 63% to 96% across Arkansas. It confers 103 bachelor's degrees a year, 33% of the 315 awarded across Arkansas at this level. Residency is worth $7,500 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $15,000 out-of-state rate.

    • ACSM, NSCA and AACVPR aligned curriculum
    • Prepares for CPT, HFS and CSCS exams
    • 103 exercise science degrees conferred a year
    • $7,500 in-state tuition, half the out-of-state rate
    Graduation rate
    54%
    Admit rate
    89%
    In-state tuition
    $7,500
    Out-of-state tuition
    $15,000
    Cost of attendance
    $27,840
    Undergrad enrollment
    8,268
    Degrees conferred
    103

    View University of Central Arkansas' B.S. in Exercise Science www.uca.edu

  7. Rank 7: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

    B.S. in Exercise Science (Pre-Professional)

    Magnolia, AR · Public · town campus

    Our score

    7th of 10 in Arkansas

    National rank 335 of 568

    A 12-lead EKG system and VO2max testing gear inside the W.T. Watson Kinesiology Laboratory anchor Southern Arkansas' exercise science degree, which scores 71.6 against University of Arkansas at Monticello's 70.5.

    Southern Arkansas University Main Campus places 7th of 10 in Arkansas at 71.6, with 6 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $7,380 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $5,685 to $33,780. Its 49% graduation rate sits against a 34% to 72% spread across the 10 Arkansas schools that report one.

    It admits 75% of applicants, against 63% to 96% across Arkansas. It confers 23 bachelor's degrees a year, 7% of the 315 awarded across Arkansas at this level. Residency is worth $5,730 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $13,110 out-of-state rate.

    • W.T. Watson Sports Complex facilities
    • Two required exercise science internships
    • ACSM and NSCA aligned curriculum
    • 2.50 GPA required in the major
    • $7,380 in-state tuition
    Graduation rate
    49%
    Admit rate
    75%
    In-state tuition
    $7,380
    Out-of-state tuition
    $13,110
    Cost of attendance
    $26,153
    Undergrad enrollment
    3,084
    Degrees conferred
    23

    View Southern Arkansas University Main Campus' B.S. in Exercise Science (Pre-Professional) www.saumag.edu

  8. Rank 8: University of Arkansas at Monticello

    Bachelor's in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

    Monticello, AR · Public · town campus

    Our score

    8th of 10 in Arkansas

    National rank 358 of 568

    Value-focused Arkansas residents weighing $5,685 in-state tuition should note the score sits near the median for the level mainly because the school reports few of the admissions and testing figures our score factors in.

    University of Arkansas at Monticello places 8th of 10 in Arkansas at 70.5, with 7 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $5,685 is the lowest in the state, where the published range runs $5,685 to $33,780. Its 49% graduation rate sits against a 34% to 72% spread across the 10 Arkansas schools that report one.

    It confers 16 bachelor's degrees a year, 5% of the 315 awarded across Arkansas at this level. Residency is worth $5,565 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $11,250 out-of-state rate.

    • Public four-year institution in a town setting
    • 16 kinesiology degrees awarded per year
    • Tuition undercuts 94% of comparable programs
    Graduation rate
    49%
    In-state tuition
    $5,685
    Out-of-state tuition
    $11,250
    Cost of attendance
    $25,622
    Undergrad enrollment
    2,457
    Degrees conferred
    16

    View University of Arkansas at Monticello's Bachelor's in Exercise Science and Kinesiology www.uamont.edu

  9. Rank 9: Central Baptist College

    B.S. in Kinesiology

    Conway, AR · Private nonprofit · city campus

    Our score

    9th of 10 in Arkansas

    National rank 456 of 568

    Central Baptist College admits more selectively than most exercise science peers, 63% versus an 80% median, but only 34% of its Kinesiology students finish the degree.

    Central Baptist College places 9th of 10 in Arkansas at 66.7, with 8 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $19,800 is above the state midpoint, where the published range runs $5,685 to $33,780. Its 34% graduation rate sits against a 34% to 72% spread across the 10 Arkansas schools that report one.

    It admits 63% of applicants, against 63% to 96% across Arkansas. It confers 13 bachelor's degrees a year, 4% of the 315 awarded across Arkansas at this level.

    • Exercise Science and Sports Management emphases
    • PT and OT prerequisite pathway
    • Same tuition for in-state and out-of-state
    • 13 kinesiology degrees awarded yearly
    Graduation rate
    34%
    Admit rate
    63%
    In-state tuition
    $19,800
    Out-of-state tuition
    $19,800
    Cost of attendance
    $34,802
    Undergrad enrollment
    547
    Degrees conferred
    13

    View Central Baptist College's B.S. in Kinesiology www.cbc.edu

  10. Rank 10: Arkansas Tech University

    Health and Exercise Science, B.S. (Coaching Athletics and Physical Activity Option)

    Russellville, AR · Public · town campus

    Our score

    10th of 10 in Arkansas

    National rank 503 of 568

    A 96% admit rate puts Arkansas Tech's Coaching Athletics and Physical Activity track in the 7th percentile for selectivity among its group of comparable programs, the single biggest factor behind its score.

    Arkansas Tech University places 10th of 10 in Arkansas at 63.6, with 9 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $5,995 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $5,685 to $33,780. Its 49% graduation rate sits against a 34% to 72% spread across the 10 Arkansas schools that report one.

    It admits 96% of applicants, against 63% to 96% across Arkansas. It confers 11 bachelor's degrees a year, 3% of the 315 awarded across Arkansas at this level. Residency is worth $5,994 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $11,989 out-of-state rate.

    • Required capstone Health and Exercise Science Internship
    • Advanced Certificate in Secondary Education option for a K-12 coaching endorsement
    • 120-hour plan of study across four years
    • $5,995 in-state tuition
    Graduation rate
    49%
    Admit rate
    96%
    In-state tuition
    $5,995
    Out-of-state tuition
    $11,989
    Cost of attendance
    $24,559
    Undergrad enrollment
    8,145
    Degrees conferred
    11

    View Arkansas Tech University's Health and Exercise Science, B.S. (Coaching Athletics and Physical Activity Option) www.atu.edu

Every Bachelor's in Kinesiology Program in Arkansas Compared

The same scores in one readout. Tuition is the published in-state rate before aid.

# School City Grad rate Admit rate In-state Our score
01 Harding University Searcy 69% 71% $25,290
02 John Brown University Siloam Springs 72% 76% $30,374
03 Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia 61% 68% $33,780
04 Arkansas State University Jonesboro 55% 82% $7,488
05 Lyon College Batesville 47% 63% $29,900
06 University of Central Arkansas Conway 54% 89% $7,500
07 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia 49% 75% $7,380
08 University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello 49% $5,685
09 Central Baptist College Conway 34% 63% $19,800
10 Arkansas Tech University Russellville 49% 96% $5,995

A blank cell means the institution did not file that figure with IPEDS.

What Kinesiology Careers Pay in Arkansas

Occupational medians for everyone in the job, not starting pay and not outcomes for any one program.

Exercise Physiologists in Arkansas

Arkansas median
$48,850
vs national
−$10,610
Employed in AR
40
10th to 90th
$40,800 – $66,890

Exercise Physiologists in Arkansas earn a median of $48,850, $10,610 below the national median of $59,460, across 40 jobs in the state. The bottom tenth earn under $40,800 and the top tenth clear $66,890, so the median is a midpoint rather than an offer.

Every Arkansas Occupation This Field Feeds, by Median Wage

Occupation AR median vs national Jobs in AR
Occupational Therapists $106,360 +$6,030 2,160
Physical Therapists $99,010 −$3,750 2,680
Physical Therapist Assistants $64,520 −$3,860 1,620
Athletic Trainers $57,240 −$5,280 240
Exercise Physiologists $48,850 −$10,610 40
Recreational Therapists $42,670 −$19,290 70
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $42,140 −$5,020 1,390
Coaches and Scouts $38,930 −$8,390 2,070

Of the 8 occupations in this field that BLS prices for Arkansas, Occupational Therapists pays the most at $106,360 ($6,030 above its national median). The largest employer of the 8 is Physical Therapists, at 2,680 jobs in the state paying a median of $99,010. 1 of the 8 with a national comparison pays above its national median here.

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

Other Kinesiology Degree Levels in Arkansas

This page ranks bachelor's programs only. Arkansas reports programs at other levels too, and each level is compared only with programs at that same level.

What Careers Can You Get With a Bachelor's in Kinesiology?

These 5 occupations list this credential, or less, as their typical entry requirement. The other 3 need further study, and each page says what. Figures are Arkansas’s own BLS medians where published.

Entry requirements are O*NET’s typical-entry field; wages are BLS OEWS. Neither is a guarantee about any individual program’s graduates.

Rank 1 here is highest scoring in Arkansas, not nationally; each card carries its national rank as well. Every program on this site is ranked the same way — see how we compare them.

Sources for this page

Bachelor's in Kinesiology Programs Near Arkansas

The same ranking, filtered to one state at a time. The number is how many programs that state ranks.