Best Kinesiology Bachelor's Programs in Michigan

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

All 12 Bachelor's in Kinesiology Programs in Michigan, 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. 01

   Rank 1: Hillsdale College

   Exercise Science

   Hillsdale, MI · Private nonprofit · town campus

   Our score

   91

   1st of 12 in Michigan

   National rank 27 of 568

   Hillsdale's Exercise Science major sits inside a college that accepts just 21% of applicants, trading access for a 90% graduation rate at the 99th percentile.

   Hillsdale College leads Michigan at 91, ahead of the other 11 programs ranked here. In-state tuition of $31,780 is below the state midpoint, where the published range runs $13,374 to $56,330. Its 90% graduation rate sits against a 52% to 90% spread across the 12 Michigan schools that report one.

   It admits 21% of applicants, against 21% to 92% across Michigan. It confers 13 bachelor's degrees a year, 3% of the 514 awarded across Michigan at this level. Nationally it is 27th of the 568 bachelor's programs scored at this level.

   • 40 required credit hours in the major
   • Two-semester General Chemistry sequence required
   • Pre-PT, pre-OT, pre-PA and pre-chiropractic course guidance
   • Weight-training electives aimed at exercise-physiology graduate study
   • 13 exercise science degrees awarded a year

   Graduation rate

   90%

   Admit rate

   21%

   In-state tuition

   $31,780

   Out-of-state tuition

   $31,780

   Cost of attendance

   $49,989

   Undergrad enrollment

   1,649

   Degrees conferred

   13

   View Hillsdale College's Exercise Science www.hillsdale.edu

2. 02

   Rank 2: Hope College

   Exercise Science

   Holland, MI · Private nonprofit · city campus

   Our score

   82.8

   2nd of 12 in Michigan

   National rank 98 of 568

   Hope College's exercise science curriculum branches into seven course sequences, including three-year and four-year pre-med tracks, backed by an on-campus cadaver lab and human performance lab.

   Hope College places 2nd of 12 in Michigan at 82.8, with 1 program scoring above it. In-state tuition of $39,014 is above the state midpoint, where the published range runs $13,374 to $56,330. Its 80% graduation rate sits against a 52% to 90% spread across the 12 Michigan schools that report one.

   It admits 79% of applicants, against 21% to 92% across Michigan. It confers 23 bachelor's degrees a year, 4% of the 514 awarded across Michigan at this level.

   • Capstone research project required
   • Pre-professional peer support groups
   • Internships in hospitals and corporate wellness
   • Exercise science minor also offered

   Graduation rate

   80%

   Admit rate

   79%

   In-state tuition

   $39,014

   Out-of-state tuition

   $39,014

   Cost of attendance

   $58,210

   Undergrad enrollment

   3,395

   Degrees conferred

   23

   View Hope College's Exercise Science hope.edu

3. 03

   Rank 3: Wayne State University

   Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science

   Detroit, MI · Public · city campus

   Our score

   79.9

   3rd of 12 in Michigan

   National rank 147 of 568

   Wayne State enrolls 23,803 students across all levels, more than 91% of the 568 comparable programs in this field, and scale alone does more for this score than any other factor.

   Wayne State University places 3rd of 12 in Michigan at 79.9, with 2 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $14,274 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $13,374 to $56,330. Its 58% graduation rate sits against a 52% to 90% spread across the 12 Michigan schools that report one.

   It admits 81% of applicants, against 21% to 92% across Michigan. It confers 81 bachelor's degrees a year, 16% of the 514 awarded across Michigan at this level. Residency is worth $18,491 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $32,765 out-of-state rate.

   • 120-credit curriculum with a required internship course
   • Accelerated Master's Pathway cuts grad school time nearly in half
   • Departmental Honors requires a 3.30 GPA
   • Electives range from ECG interpretation to sport finance

   Graduation rate

   58%

   Admit rate

   81%

   In-state tuition

   $14,274

   Out-of-state tuition

   $32,765

   Cost of attendance

   $35,116

   Undergrad enrollment

   16,012

   Degrees conferred

   81

   View WSU's Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science wayne.edu

4. 04

   Rank 4: Grand Valley State University

   Exercise Science B.S. and Athletic Training M.A.T.

   Allendale, MI · Public · town campus

   Our score

   79.8

   4th of 12 in Michigan

   National rank 150 of 568

   Grand Valley folds its Exercise Science B.S. into a CAATE-accredited Master of Athletic Training, letting students finish both in as few as 167 credits.

   Grand Valley State University places 4th of 12 in Michigan at 79.8, with 3 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $15,502 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $13,374 to $56,330. Its 67% graduation rate sits against a 52% to 90% spread across the 12 Michigan schools that report one.

   It admits 83% of applicants, against 21% to 92% across Michigan. It confers 173 bachelor's degrees a year, 34% of the 514 awarded across Michigan at this level. Residency is worth $6,392 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $21,894 out-of-state rate.

   • Grand Rapids health campus for graduate coursework
   • Applies end of third undergraduate year
   • Board of Certification pass-rate emphasis
   • 173 degrees conferred a year

   Graduation rate

   67%

   Admit rate

   83%

   In-state tuition

   $15,502

   Out-of-state tuition

   $21,894

   Cost of attendance

   $30,048

   Undergrad enrollment

   19,002

   Degrees conferred

   173

   View GVSU's Exercise Science B.S. and Athletic Training M.A.T. www.gvsu.edu

5. 05

   Rank 5: Michigan Technological University

   Exercise Science, B.S.

   Houghton, MI · Public · town campus

   Our score

   77.5

   5th of 12 in Michigan

   National rank 190 of 568

   Students who want a STEM-heavy curriculum bundled with a required internship and a 92% acceptance rate should shortlist Michigan Tech, where a 68% graduation rate drives most of its score.

   Michigan Technological University places 5th of 12 in Michigan at 77.5, with 4 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $20,206 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $13,374 to $56,330. Its 68% graduation rate sits against a 52% to 90% spread across the 12 Michigan schools that report one.

   It admits 92% of applicants, against 21% to 92% across Michigan. It confers 15 bachelor's degrees a year, 3% of the 514 awarded across Michigan at this level. Residency is worth $24,275 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $44,481 out-of-state rate.

   • Required Kinesiology Internship in final semester
   • Two-semester Anatomy and Physiology sequence with labs
   • ALEKS or ACT/SAT based math placement
   • 125-credit total degree plan
   • 37-credit Essential Education requirement

   Graduation rate

   68%

   Admit rate

   92%

   In-state tuition

   $20,206

   Out-of-state tuition

   $44,481

   Cost of attendance

   $36,158

   Undergrad enrollment

   6,013

   Degrees conferred

   15

   View Michigan Technological University's Exercise Science, B.S. www.mtu.edu

6. 06

   Rank 6: Andrews University

   Exercise Science

   Berrien Springs, MI · Private nonprofit · town campus

   Our score

   77.2

   6th of 12 in Michigan

   National rank 197 of 568

   Andrews University graduates 72% of its exercise-science majors, outperforming 87.1% of comparable programs and doing more than any other input to lift its score.

   Andrews University places 6th of 12 in Michigan at 77.2, with 5 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $33,696 is below the state midpoint, where the published range runs $13,374 to $56,330. Its 72% graduation rate sits against a 52% to 90% spread across the 12 Michigan schools that report one.

   It admits 82% of applicants, against 21% to 92% across Michigan. It confers 4 bachelor's degrees a year, 1% of the 514 awarded across Michigan at this level.

   • ACSM Certified Personal Trainer exam prep
   • ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist track
   • Internships at outside organizations
   • Only 4 degrees conferred a year
   • $33,696 flat tuition regardless of residency

   Graduation rate

   72%

   Admit rate

   82%

   In-state tuition

   $33,696

   Out-of-state tuition

   $33,696

   Cost of attendance

   $54,320

   Undergrad enrollment

   1,384

   Degrees conferred

   4

   View Andrews University's Exercise Science www.andrews.edu

7. 07

   Rank 7: Cornerstone University

   Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

   Grand Rapids, MI · Private nonprofit · city campus

   Our score

   76.1

   7th of 12 in Michigan

   National rank 222 of 568

   Cornerstone suits an undergraduate who wants a research record before graduation: eighteen exercise science students presented at the 2023 Midwest ACSM conference, and two won its top undergraduate awards.

   Cornerstone University places 7th of 12 in Michigan at 76.1, with 6 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $22,000 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $13,374 to $56,330. Its 62% graduation rate sits against a 52% to 90% spread across the 12 Michigan schools that report one.

   It admits 78% of applicants, against 21% to 92% across Michigan. It confers 15 bachelor's degrees a year, 3% of the 514 awarded across Michigan at this level.

   • Six students presented novel compression-garment research in 2023
   • Christian-worldview framing built into the science curriculum
   • Direct mentorship under kinesiology professor Dr. Sackett
   • Recognized for best and most outstanding undergraduate research

   Graduation rate

   62%

   Admit rate

   78%

   In-state tuition

   $22,000

   Out-of-state tuition

   $22,000

   Cost of attendance

   $38,960

   Undergrad enrollment

   1,354

   Degrees conferred

   15

   View Cornerstone University's Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Kinesiology www.cornerstone.edu

8. 08

   Rank 8: Oakland University

   Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

   Rochester Hills, MI · Public · suburban campus

   Our score

   75.3

   8th of 12 in Michigan

   National rank 232 of 568

   Oakland's BS in Exercise Science offers a rare Orthotist and Prosthetist Assistant Studies concentration alongside Pre-Physical Therapy and Applied Exercise Physiology tracks, plus a five-year path to the university's MS in Exercise Science.

   Oakland University places 8th of 12 in Michigan at 75.3, with 7 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $17,167 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $13,374 to $56,330. Its 58% graduation rate sits against a 52% to 90% spread across the 12 Michigan schools that report one.

   It admits 88% of applicants, against 21% to 92% across Michigan. It confers 42 bachelor's degrees a year, 8% of the 514 awarded across Michigan at this level. Residency is worth $7,568 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $24,735 out-of-state rate.

   • Minor open to non-majors
   • EXS 4960 practicum requirement
   • BEAR biomechanics research lab
   • Cardiovascular Fitness Training at the campus Rec Center

   Graduation rate

   58%

   Admit rate

   88%

   In-state tuition

   $17,167

   Out-of-state tuition

   $24,735

   Cost of attendance

   $29,494

   Undergrad enrollment

   12,587

   Degrees conferred

   42

   View Oakland University's Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science www.oakland.edu

9. 09

   Rank 9: Madonna University

   Exercise and Sport Science, B.S.

   Livonia, MI · Private nonprofit · city campus

   Our score

   74.7

   9th of 12 in Michigan

   National rank 248 of 568

   A 63% admit rate puts Madonna's Exercise and Sport Science program at a percentile of 83.6 for selectivity among 568 bachelor's peers, the single largest lift to our score of 74.7.

   Madonna University places 9th of 12 in Michigan at 74.7, with 8 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $28,440 is below the state midpoint, where the published range runs $13,374 to $56,330. Its 60% graduation rate sits against a 52% to 90% spread across the 12 Michigan schools that report one.

   It admits 63% of applicants, against 21% to 92% across Michigan. It confers 9 bachelor's degrees a year, 2% of the 514 awarded across Michigan at this level.

   • Franciscan-affiliated Catholic university
   • Curriculum includes CPR, first aid and basic athletic training
   • Standalone minor also offered
   • Nine graduates a year
   • City campus in Livonia, Michigan

   Graduation rate

   60%

   Admit rate

   63%

   In-state tuition

   $28,440

   Out-of-state tuition

   $28,440

   Cost of attendance

   $45,164

   Undergrad enrollment

   1,828

   Degrees conferred

   9

   View Madonna University's Exercise and Sport Science, B.S. www.madonna.edu

10. 10

    Rank 10: Albion College

    Exercise Science Major and Minor

    Albion, MI · Private nonprofit · town campus

    Our score

    74

    10th of 12 in Michigan

    National rank 269 of 568

    Albion reports that every student who has applied to physical therapy graduate school got in, backed by a Human Performance Lab where majors measure body composition and aerobic and anaerobic fitness firsthand.

    Albion College places 10th of 12 in Michigan at 74, with 9 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $56,330 is the highest in the state, where the published range runs $13,374 to $56,330. Its 62% graduation rate sits against a 52% to 90% spread across the 12 Michigan schools that report one.

    It admits 81% of applicants, against 21% to 92% across Michigan. It confers 32 bachelor's degrees a year, 6% of the 514 awarded across Michigan at this level.

    • Optional double major in sport management
    • Internships in cardiac rehabilitation with Spectrum Health
    • Electives in strength and conditioning and injury care
    • 62% graduation rate
    • $56,330 annual tuition

    Graduation rate

    62%

    Admit rate

    81%

    In-state tuition

    $56,330

    Out-of-state tuition

    $56,330

    Cost of attendance

    $71,580

    Undergrad enrollment

    1,308

    Degrees conferred

    32

    View Albion College's Exercise Science Major and Minor www.albion.edu

11. 11

    Rank 11: Central Michigan University

    Exercise Science

    Mount Pleasant, MI · Public · town campus

    Our score

    73.7

    11th of 12 in Michigan

    National rank 279 of 568

    Central Michigan trades a 90% admit rate for scale, running one of Michigan's largest exercise science cohorts behind a program the division says was the first in the state accredited by CAAHEP.

    Central Michigan University places 11th of 12 in Michigan at 73.7, with 10 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $15,030 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $13,374 to $56,330. Its 59% graduation rate sits against a 52% to 90% spread across the 12 Michigan schools that report one.

    It admits 90% of applicants, against 21% to 92% across Michigan. It confers 80 bachelor's degrees a year, 16% of the 514 awarded across Michigan at this level.

    • 86% national credentialing exam pass rate
    • 97% graduation satisfaction rate
    • Outcomes published year over year publicly
    • Accredited via the Committee on Accreditation for Exercise Sciences
    • Housed in the School of Health Sciences

    Graduation rate

    59%

    Admit rate

    90%

    In-state tuition

    $15,030

    Out-of-state tuition

    $15,030

    Cost of attendance

    $31,424

    Undergrad enrollment

    10,193

    Degrees conferred

    80

    View Central Michigan University's Exercise Science www.cmich.edu

12. 12

    Rank 12: Northern Michigan University

    Applied Exercise Physiology & Kinesiology

    Marquette, MI · Public · town campus

    Our score

    73.2

    12th of 12 in Michigan

    National rank 286 of 568

    A kinesiology applicant who wants six sibling bachelor's tracks and three on-site graduate programs under one Marquette department, without a highly selective admissions bar, fits this major well.

    Northern Michigan University places 12th of 12 in Michigan at 73.2, with 11 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $13,374 is the lowest in the state, where the published range runs $13,374 to $56,330. Its 52% graduation rate sits against a 52% to 90% spread across the 12 Michigan schools that report one.

    It admits 84% of applicants, against 21% to 92% across Michigan. It confers 27 bachelor's degrees a year, 5% of the 514 awarded across Michigan at this level. Residency is worth $5,622 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $18,996 out-of-state rate.

    • Related majors include Rehabilitation Science and Athletic Coaching Education
    • Campus offers its own Master's programs in Exercise Science and Athletic Training
    • Nine minors including Clinical Exercise Science
    • 84% admit rate, above the 80% median for the level
    • In-state tuition beats 64% of comparable programs

    Graduation rate

    52%

    Admit rate

    84%

    In-state tuition

    $13,374

    Out-of-state tuition

    $18,996

    Cost of attendance

    $30,449

    Undergrad enrollment

    6,684

    Degrees conferred

    27

    View Northern Michigan University's Applied Exercise Physiology & Kinesiology www.nmu.edu

Every Bachelor's in Kinesiology Program in Michigan Compared

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

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

What Kinesiology Careers Pay in Michigan

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

Exercise Physiologists in Michigan

Michigan median

$55,080

vs national

−$4,380

Employed in MI

570

10th to 90th

$48,140 – $65,910

Every Michigan Occupation This Field Feeds, by Median Wage

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

Other Kinesiology Degree Levels in Michigan

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

• Associate's Associate's in Kinesiology in Michigan 4 programs ranked
• Master's Master's in Kinesiology in Michigan 4 programs ranked

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 Michigan’s own BLS medians where published.

• Physical Therapist$100,900 median in Michigan · needs doctoral degree
• Occupational Therapist$89,910 median in Michigan · needs master's degree
• Recreational Therapist$61,700 median in Michigan · reachable at this level
• Physical Therapist Assistant$61,670 median in Michigan · reachable at this level
• Athletic Trainer$59,280 median in Michigan · needs master's degree
• Exercise Physiologist$55,080 median in Michigan · reachable at this level
• Coach or Scout$47,050 median in Michigan · reachable at this level
• Fitness Trainer or Group Instructor$45,520 median in Michigan · reachable at this level

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 Michigan, 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

• U.S. Dept. of Education (IPEDS)
• BLS OOH: Exercise Physiologists
• BLS OEWS May 2025 (SOC 29-1128)
• CAAHEP / CoAES accredited exercise science programs

Bachelor's in Kinesiology Programs Near Michigan

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

• Illinois 12
• Indiana 12
• Iowa 12
• Kansas 9
• Minnesota 11
• Missouri 12