12 Best Bachelor's in Kinesiology Programs in Illinois

Programs ranked: 12
In-state tuition: $9,662 to $45,446
Avg graduation rate: 61%
Median wage (BLS): $59,460

What Bachelor's in Kinesiology Programs in Illinois 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 12 highest scoring in Illinois. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads the state with a score of 97.4, which is national rank 7 out of 568. One of the 12 also lands in the national top 25.

In-state tuition runs from $9,662 to $45,446 across the 12 programs with a published rate. The 12 schools with a published graduation rate average 61%. Average admit rate across the 12 schools publishing one is 71%. Together they conferred 531 bachelor's degrees in the field in the latest IPEDS completions year.

4 of the 12 are public institutions and 8 are private. 2 are flagged as offering an online option.

All 12 Bachelor's in Kinesiology Programs in Illinois, 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.

Rank 1: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Dance B.A. and Kinesiology B.S. Dual Degree

Champaign, IL · Public · city campus

Our score

1st of 12 in Illinois

National rank 7 of 568

Illinois' dual Dance BA and Kinesiology BS requires 158 credit hours, well beyond a typical single bachelor's, trading a faster degree for dual training in performance and exercise science.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads Illinois at 97.4, ahead of the other 11 programs ranked here. In-state tuition of $14,975 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $9,662 to $45,446. Its 85% graduation rate sits against a 45% to 85% spread across the 12 Illinois schools that report one. It admits 42% of applicants, against 42% to 88% across Illinois.
It confers 188 bachelor's degrees a year, 35% of the 531 awarded across Illinois at this level. Residency is worth $21,829 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $36,804 out-of-state rate. Nationally it is 7th of the 568 bachelor's programs scored at this level.
- Senior thesis merges dance and kinesiology research
- K-12 PE licensure with dance and yoga endorsement
- Admission requires an audition or portfolio review
- Core coursework in biomechanics, motor development, bioenergetics
Graduation rate

85%

Admit rate

42%

In-state tuition

$14,975

Out-of-state tuition

$36,804

Cost of attendance

$34,226

Undergrad enrollment

37,140

Degrees conferred

188

View University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Dance B.A. and Kinesiology B.S. Dual Degree www.illinois.edu
Rank 2: DePaul University

Exercise Science, B.S.

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · city campus

Our score

2nd of 12 in Illinois

National rank 101 of 568

DePaul's Exercise Science majors graduate at a 68% clip, the 79th percentile among 568 comparable programs, the biggest reason its score of 82.7 clears the 73.3 median by nine points.

DePaul University places 2nd of 12 in Illinois at 82.7, with 1 program scoring above it. In-state tuition of $44,601 is in the dearer quarter of the state, where the published range runs $9,662 to $45,446. Its 68% graduation rate sits against a 45% to 85% spread across the 12 Illinois schools that report one.
It admits 76% of applicants, against 42% to 88% across Illinois. It confers 10 bachelor's degrees a year, 2% of the 531 awarded across Illinois at this level.
- Pre-Physical Therapy concentration
- Combined bachelor's/master's option
- ACSM-guided curriculum
- 89% graduate employment or continuing-education rate
Graduation rate

68%

Admit rate

76%

In-state tuition

$44,601

Out-of-state tuition

$44,601

Cost of attendance

$69,027

Undergrad enrollment

14,188

Degrees conferred

10

View DePaul University's Exercise Science, B.S. www.depaul.edu
Rank 3: Elmhurst University

Physical Education

Elmhurst, IL · Private nonprofit · suburban campus

Our score

3rd of 12 in Illinois

National rank 134 of 568

Elmhurst's Physical Education major puts students in front of K-12 classrooms years before the official student-teaching semester, through events like Everybody Can Day and International Games Day.

Elmhurst University places 3rd of 12 in Illinois at 80.6, with 2 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $42,495 is in the dearer quarter of the state, where the published range runs $9,662 to $45,446. Its 70% graduation rate sits against a 45% to 85% spread across the 12 Illinois schools that report one.
It admits 74% of applicants, against 42% to 88% across Illinois. It confers 21 bachelor's degrees a year, 4% of the 531 awarded across Illinois at this level.
- PE content-area test required before student teaching
- 3.0 GPA required in the PE major
- Recommended Health Education minor and endorsement
- 70% graduation rate
Graduation rate

70%

Admit rate

74%

In-state tuition

$42,495

Out-of-state tuition

$42,495

Cost of attendance

$64,049

Undergrad enrollment

3,213

Degrees conferred

21

View Elmhurst University's Physical Education www.elmhurst.edu
Rank 4: Olivet Nazarene University

Exercise Science

Bourbonnais, IL · Private nonprofit · suburban campus · online option

Our score

4th of 12 in Illinois

National rank 154 of 568

Olivet Nazarene's exercise science program sits inside a Christian university whose department chair has spent 26 years as a certified athletic trainer, and a 56% admit rate anchors most of its lift.

Olivet Nazarene University places 4th of 12 in Illinois at 79.7, with 3 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $37,910 is in the dearer quarter of the state, where the published range runs $9,662 to $45,446. Its 61% graduation rate sits against a 45% to 85% spread across the 12 Illinois schools that report one.
It admits 56% of applicants, against 42% to 88% across Illinois. It confers 19 bachelor's degrees a year, 4% of the 531 awarded across Illinois at this level.
- NASPE-accredited PE teaching track
- Sport Management and Recreation majors in same department
- Christian professional formation mission
- 56% admit rate
Graduation rate

61%

Admit rate

56%

In-state tuition

$37,910

Out-of-state tuition

$37,910

Cost of attendance

$55,685

Undergrad enrollment

2,711

Degrees conferred

19

View Olivet Nazarene University's Exercise Science www.olivet.edu
Rank 5: North Central College

Exercise Science, B.S.

Naperville, IL · Private nonprofit · city campus

Our score

5th of 12 in Illinois

National rank 176 of 568

Students who want a 3+2 pathway into a Master of Athletic Training degree in five years total should put North Central College's Exercise Science B.S. on their shortlist.

North Central College places 5th of 12 in Illinois at 78.4, with 4 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $45,446 is the highest in the state, where the published range runs $9,662 to $45,446. Its 64% graduation rate sits against a 45% to 85% spread across the 12 Illinois schools that report one.
It admits 77% of applicants, against 42% to 88% across Illinois. It confers 25 bachelor's degrees a year, 5% of the 531 awarded across Illinois at this level.
- NSCA Educational Recognition Program curriculum
- Required Internship Seminar and Internship courses
- Human Performance Laboratory access
- $45,446 annual tuition
- 64% graduation rate
Graduation rate

64%

Admit rate

77%

In-state tuition

$45,446

Out-of-state tuition

$45,446

Cost of attendance

$64,208

Undergrad enrollment

2,454

Degrees conferred

25

View North Central College's Exercise Science, B.S. northcentralcollege.edu
Rank 6: Illinois State University

Health and Human Performance

Normal, IL · Public · suburban campus

Our score

6th of 12 in Illinois

National rank 183 of 568

More than 95% of School of Kinesiology and Recreation students pass their certification exams on the first attempt, the fact that separates Illinois State's Health and Human Performance major from its peers.

Illinois State University places 6th of 12 in Illinois at 77.9, with 5 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $11,215 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $9,662 to $45,446. Its 65% graduation rate sits against a 45% to 85% spread across the 12 Illinois schools that report one.
It admits 88% of applicants, against 42% to 88% across Illinois. It confers 94 bachelor's degrees a year, 18% of the 531 awarded across Illinois at this level. Residency is worth $11,648 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $22,863 out-of-state rate.
- School of Kinesiology and Recreation home department
- Motor learning and sport psychology coursework
- Sample plans of study by year
- $11,215 in-state tuition
- 19,107 undergraduates enrolled
Graduation rate

65%

Admit rate

88%

In-state tuition

$11,215

Out-of-state tuition

$22,863

Cost of attendance

$34,602

Undergrad enrollment

19,107

Degrees conferred

94

View ISU's Health and Human Performance illinoisstate.edu
Rank 7: McKendree University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Sports Performance

Lebanon, IL · Private nonprofit · suburban campus

Our score

7th of 12 in Illinois

National rank 233 of 568

A 72% admit rate puts McKendree in the tighter third of its group of comparable programs for selectivity, the single strongest force behind its bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and Sports Performance.

McKendree University places 7th of 12 in Illinois at 75.2, with 6 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $33,310 is above the state midpoint, where the published range runs $9,662 to $45,446. Its 53% graduation rate sits against a 45% to 85% spread across the 12 Illinois schools that report one.
It admits 72% of applicants, against 42% to 88% across Illinois. It confers 22 bachelor's degrees a year, 4% of the 531 awarded across Illinois at this level.
- CSCS certification exam prep via NSCA
- ACSM Personal Trainer certification prep
- Iota Tau Alpha honor society chapter
- Flat $33,310 tuition regardless of residency
Graduation rate

53%

Admit rate

72%

In-state tuition

$33,310

Out-of-state tuition

$33,310

Cost of attendance

$51,192

Undergrad enrollment

1,757

Degrees conferred

22

View McKendree University's Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Sports Performance www.mckendree.edu
Rank 8: Eastern Illinois University

Bachelor's in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Charleston, IL · Public · town campus

Our score

8th of 12 in Illinois

National rank 256 of 568

Eastern Illinois admits less easily than most of its group of comparable programs, at 65%, but that relative selectivity comes with a graduation rate of just 47%, in only the 25th percentile among these programs.

Eastern Illinois University places 8th of 12 in Illinois at 74.5, with 7 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $9,848 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $9,662 to $45,446. Its 47% graduation rate sits against a 45% to 85% spread across the 12 Illinois schools that report one.
It admits 65% of applicants, against 42% to 88% across Illinois. It confers 63 bachelor's degrees a year, 12% of the 531 awarded across Illinois at this level. Residency is worth $2,482 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $12,330 out-of-state rate.
- Pre-AT, Pre-OT, Pre-PT emphases
- Department-run M.S. in Sports Administration
- Department-run M.S. in Exercise Physiology
- 63 degrees conferred yearly
Graduation rate

47%

Admit rate

65%

In-state tuition

$9,848

Out-of-state tuition

$12,330

Cost of attendance

$28,055

Undergrad enrollment

6,785

Degrees conferred

63

View Eastern Illinois University's Bachelor's in Exercise Science and Kinesiology www.eiu.edu
Rank 9: Western Illinois University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

Macomb, IL · Public · town campus

Our score

9th of 12 in Illinois

National rank 264 of 568

Western Illinois pairs a National Strength and Conditioning Association recognition with a faculty roster holding ACSM, NSCA, and NASM certifications, backed by a campus gymnasium, pool, dance studio, and dedicated athletic training labs.

Western Illinois University places 9th of 12 in Illinois at 74.1, with 8 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $9,662 is the lowest in the state, where the published range runs $9,662 to $45,446. Its 45% graduation rate sits against a 45% to 85% spread across the 12 Illinois schools that report one.
It admits 71% of applicants, against 42% to 88% across Illinois. It confers 15 bachelor's degrees a year, 3% of the 531 awarded across Illinois at this level.
- Exercise Science Student Association research placements
- Internships lead to clinic and private-sector jobs
- Grads placed at Kraft and Life Fitness
- 45% graduation rate
- $9,662 in-state tuition
Graduation rate

45%

Admit rate

71%

In-state tuition

$9,662

Out-of-state tuition

$9,662

Cost of attendance

$29,556

Undergrad enrollment

4,525

Degrees conferred

15

View Western Illinois University's Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science www.wiu.edu
Rank 10: Aurora University

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

Aurora, IL · Private nonprofit · suburban campus · online option

Our score

10th of 12 in Illinois

National rank 282 of 568

Aurora structures its Exercise Science major into three tracks, athletic training, fitness and wellness promotion, and sports performance, with a 3+2 option that adds a Master of Science in Athletic Training in five years.

Aurora University places 10th of 12 in Illinois at 73.5, with 9 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $28,800 is above the state midpoint, where the published range runs $9,662 to $45,446. Its 60% graduation rate sits against a 45% to 85% spread across the 12 Illinois schools that report one.
It admits 81% of applicants, against 42% to 88% across Illinois. It confers 30 bachelor's degrees a year, 6% of the 531 awarded across Illinois at this level.
- NSCA Education Recognition Program designation
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam prep
- Pre-physical-therapy track available
- 60% graduation rate
- $28,800 annual tuition
Graduation rate

60%

Admit rate

81%

In-state tuition

$28,800

Out-of-state tuition

$28,800

Cost of attendance

$47,460

Undergrad enrollment

4,106

Degrees conferred

30

View Aurora University's Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science aurora.edu
Rank 11: Saint Xavier University

B.S. and MSES in Strength and Conditioning (Dual Degree, 4+1)

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · city campus

Our score

11th of 12 in Illinois

National rank 284 of 568

Saint Xavier's 4+1 track compresses a bachelor's and master's in exercise science into five years, at a flat $37,755 tuition rate whether you live in Illinois or out of state.

Saint Xavier University places 11th of 12 in Illinois at 73.3, with 10 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $37,755 is in the dearer quarter of the state, where the published range runs $9,662 to $45,446. Its 57% graduation rate sits against a 45% to 85% spread across the 12 Illinois schools that report one.
It admits 84% of applicants, against 42% to 88% across Illinois. It confers 37 bachelor's degrees a year, 7% of the 531 awarded across Illinois at this level.
- Human Performance Lab with VALD force-plate systems
- Prepares students for the NSCA-CSCS certification exam
- Up to six graduate credits double-count toward the B.S.
- 10.5-month accelerated MSES finish for qualifying seniors
- 37 degrees conferred a year against a 24 median for the level
Graduation rate

57%

Admit rate

84%

In-state tuition

$37,755

Out-of-state tuition

$37,755

Cost of attendance

$54,440

Undergrad enrollment

3,098

Degrees conferred

37

View Saint Xavier University's B.S. and MSES in Strength and Conditioning (Dual Degree, 4+1) www.sxu.edu
Rank 12: Millikin University

Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a Teacher License

Decatur, IL · Private nonprofit · city campus

Our score

12th of 12 in Illinois

National rank 317 of 568

Millikin admits 67% of applicants, tighter than 78% of comparable programs, and that single figure carries more weight in the model than the university's bottom-decile 7 degrees conferred a year.

Millikin University places 12th of 12 in Illinois at 72.1, with 11 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $26,000 is below the state midpoint, where the published range runs $9,662 to $45,446. Its 55% graduation rate sits against a 45% to 85% spread across the 12 Illinois schools that report one.
It admits 67% of applicants, against 42% to 88% across Illinois. It confers 7 bachelor's degrees a year, 1% of the 531 awarded across Illinois at this level.
- Illinois Health and Driver's Education teaching endorsements
- PreK-12 Physical Education Endorsement requires passing ILTS #213
- Housed in the School of Exercise Science & Sport
- Flat $26,000 tuition for residents and non-residents
- Total enrollment of 1,586 at the 24th percentile among peers
Graduation rate

55%

Admit rate

67%

In-state tuition

$26,000

Out-of-state tuition

$26,000

Cost of attendance

$43,965

Undergrad enrollment

1,495

Degrees conferred

7

View Millikin University's Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a Teacher License millikin.edu

Every Bachelor's in Kinesiology Program in Illinois Compared

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

#	School	City	Grad rate	Admit rate	In-state
01	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	Champaign	85%	42%	$14,975
02	DePaul University	Chicago	68%	76%	$44,601
03	Elmhurst University	Elmhurst	70%	74%	$42,495
04	Olivet Nazarene University	Bourbonnais	61%	56%	$37,910
05	North Central College	Naperville	64%	77%	$45,446
06	Illinois State University	Normal	65%	88%	$11,215
07	McKendree University	Lebanon	53%	72%	$33,310
08	Eastern Illinois University	Charleston	47%	65%	$9,848
09	Western Illinois University	Macomb	45%	71%	$9,662
10	Aurora University	Aurora	60%	81%	$28,800
11	Saint Xavier University	Chicago	57%	84%	$37,755
12	Millikin University	Decatur	55%	67%	$26,000

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

What Kinesiology Careers Pay in Illinois

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

Exercise Physiologists in Illinois

Illinois median: $60,130
vs national: +$670
Employed in IL: 300
10th to 90th: $50,220 – $84,020

Exercise Physiologists in Illinois earn a median of $60,130, $670 above the national median of $59,460, across 300 jobs in the state. The bottom tenth earn under $50,220 and the top tenth clear $84,020, so the median is a midpoint rather than an offer.

Every Illinois Occupation This Field Feeds, by Median Wage

Occupation	IL median	vs national	Jobs in IL
Physical Therapists	$105,250	+$2,490	9,800
Occupational Therapists	$99,700	−$630	7,710
Physical Therapist Assistants	$65,240	−$3,140	4,890
Athletic Trainers	$64,750	+$2,230	850
Exercise Physiologists	$60,130	+$670	300
Recreational Therapists	$54,910	−$7,050	440
Coaches and Scouts	$49,120	+$1,800	8,840
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors	$46,800	−$360	19,830

Of the 8 occupations in this field that BLS prices for Illinois, Physical Therapists pays the most at $105,250 ($2,490 above its national median). The largest employer of the 8 is Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors, at 19,830 jobs in the state paying a median of $46,800. 4 of the 8 with a national comparison pay above their national medians here.

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

Other Kinesiology Degree Levels in Illinois

This page ranks bachelor's programs only. Illinois 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 Illinois’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 Illinois, 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 Illinois

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

Best Kinesiology Bachelor's Programs in Illinois

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

All 12 Bachelor's in Kinesiology Programs in Illinois, Ranked (2026)

Rank 1: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Rank 2: DePaul University

Rank 3: Elmhurst University

Rank 4: Olivet Nazarene University

Rank 5: North Central College

Rank 6: Illinois State University

Rank 7: McKendree University

Rank 8: Eastern Illinois University

Rank 9: Western Illinois University

Rank 10: Aurora University

Rank 11: Saint Xavier University

Rank 12: Millikin University