Best Kinesiology Bachelor's Programs in Texas

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

All 12 Bachelor's in Kinesiology Programs in Texas, 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: Baylor University

   Health, Kinesiology, and Leisure Studies (BSEd)

   Waco, TX · Private nonprofit · city campus

   Our score

   90.6

   1st of 12 in Texas

   National rank 30 of 568

   Baylor's kinesiology major is built as a Bachelor of Science in Education, split into three required 9-hour blocks: Health Education, Human Performance, and Recreation Education.

   Baylor University leads Texas at 90.6, ahead of the other 11 programs ranked here. In-state tuition of $58,100 is the highest in the state, where the published range runs $3,818 to $58,100. Its 80% graduation rate sits against a 30% to 80% spread across the 12 Texas schools that report one.

   It admits 51% of applicants, against 38% to 87% across Texas. It confers 10 bachelor's degrees a year, 1% of the 1,305 awarded across Texas at this level. Nationally it is 30th of the 568 bachelor's programs scored at this level.

   • HP 1420 Human Anatomy required course
   • Two-semester Chapel requirement
   • 9-hour HHPR or PUBH elective block
   • Lifetime Fitness two-course requirement

   Graduation rate

   80%

   Admit rate

   51%

   In-state tuition

   $58,100

   Out-of-state tuition

   $58,100

   Cost of attendance

   $78,816

   Undergrad enrollment

   14,915

   Degrees conferred

   10

   View Baylor University's Health, Kinesiology, and Leisure Studies (BSEd) www.baylor.edu

2. 02

   Rank 2: University of Houston

   Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

   Houston, TX · Public · city campus

   Our score

   88.2

   2nd of 12 in Texas

   National rank 40 of 568

   University of Houston splits its exercise science major by career target: one option preps for physical therapy, the other for occupational therapy, athletic training, or strength and conditioning.

   University of Houston places 2nd of 12 in Texas at 88.2, with 1 program scoring above it. In-state tuition of $8,685 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $3,818 to $58,100. Its 65% graduation rate sits against a 30% to 80% spread across the 12 Texas schools that report one.

   It admits 74% of applicants, against 38% to 87% across Texas. It confers 306 bachelor's degrees a year, 23% of the 1,305 awarded across Texas at this level. Residency is worth $12,830 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $21,515 out-of-state rate.

   • Health Profession Option vs Primary Option tracks
   • Laboratory of Integrated Physiology (LIP)
   • Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research (CNBR)
   • Pre-PT/OT Society (PTOTS) student group

   Graduation rate

   65%

   Admit rate

   74%

   In-state tuition

   $8,685

   Out-of-state tuition

   $21,515

   Cost of attendance

   $27,761

   Undergrad enrollment

   39,257

   Degrees conferred

   306

   View University of Houston's Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science www.uh.edu

3. 03

   Rank 3: Southwestern University

   Kinesiology

   Georgetown, TX · Private nonprofit · city campus

   Our score

   86.2

   3rd of 12 in Texas

   National rank 60 of 568

   A 43% admit rate lands Southwestern's kinesiology major in the 95th percentile for selectivity among the 568 bachelor's programs scored in this field, the single biggest engine behind its score.

   Southwestern University places 3rd of 12 in Texas at 86.2, with 2 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $53,288 is in the dearer quarter of the state, where the published range runs $3,818 to $58,100. Its 73% graduation rate sits against a 30% to 80% spread across the 12 Texas schools that report one.

   It admits 43% of applicants, against 38% to 87% across Texas. It confers 23 bachelor's degrees a year, 2% of the 1,305 awarded across Texas at this level.

   • Offered as Bachelor of Arts or Science
   • Doubles as teacher certification prerequisite
   • Separate Fitness and Recreational Activity classes
   • Majors complete a senior capstone

   Graduation rate

   73%

   Admit rate

   43%

   In-state tuition

   $53,288

   Out-of-state tuition

   $53,288

   Cost of attendance

   $71,865

   Undergrad enrollment

   1,440

   Degrees conferred

   23

   View Southwestern University's Kinesiology www.southwestern.edu

4. 04

   Rank 4: University of North Texas

   B.S. in Kinesiology

   Denton, TX · Public · city campus

   Our score

   83.4

   4th of 12 in Texas

   National rank 89 of 568

   UNT turns out 202 kinesiology graduates a year, more than eight times the 24-degree median for the level, inside a general track built for students who want broad elective latitude rather than a narrow concentration.

   University of North Texas places 4th of 12 in Texas at 83.4, with 3 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $8,319 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $3,818 to $58,100. Its 61% graduation rate sits against a 30% to 80% spread across the 12 Texas schools that report one.

   It admits 72% of applicants, against 38% to 87% across Texas. It confers 202 bachelor's degrees a year, 15% of the 1,305 awarded across Texas at this level. Residency is worth $9,840 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $18,159 out-of-state rate.

   • Applied Physiology Laboratory, 8,000+ square feet
   • Pediatric Movement and Physical Activity Laboratory
   • General track with wide elective latitude
   • Kinesiology-Fitness Leadership career path

   Graduation rate

   61%

   Admit rate

   72%

   In-state tuition

   $8,319

   Out-of-state tuition

   $18,159

   Cost of attendance

   $27,711

   Undergrad enrollment

   34,458

   Degrees conferred

   202

   View University of North Texas' B.S. in Kinesiology www.unt.edu

5. 05

   Rank 5: LeTourneau University

   Human Performance and Sport Studies B.S., Performance and Health Professions Concentration

   Longview, TX · Private nonprofit · city campus

   Our score

   81.8

   5th of 12 in Texas

   National rank 115 of 568

   Applicants who want a highly selective Christian university built around a pre-physical therapy or athletic training pipeline should shortlist LeTourneau's Human Performance and Sport Studies degree, where only 38% of applicants are admitted.

   LeTourneau University places 5th of 12 in Texas at 81.8, with 4 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $36,340 is above the state midpoint, where the published range runs $3,818 to $58,100. Its 59% graduation rate sits against a 30% to 80% spread across the 12 Texas schools that report one.

   It admits 38% of applicants, against 38% to 87% across Texas. It confers 16 bachelor's degrees a year, 1% of the 1,305 awarded across Texas at this level.

   • Human Nutrition and Anatomy/Physiology core courses
   • Care and Prevention of Sports Injuries course
   • $36,340 flat tuition regardless of residency
   • Required hands-on internship experience

   Graduation rate

   59%

   Admit rate

   38%

   In-state tuition

   $36,340

   Out-of-state tuition

   $36,340

   Cost of attendance

   $54,388

   Undergrad enrollment

   3,187

   Degrees conferred

   16

   View LeTourneau University's Human Performance and Sport Studies B.S., Performance and Health Professions Concentration www.letu.edu

6. 06

   Rank 6: Abilene Christian University

   B.S. in Exercise Science

   Abilene, TX · Private nonprofit · city campus · online option

   Our score

   81.3

   6th of 12 in Texas

   National rank 125 of 568

   ACU's online B.S. in Exercise Science locks in your per-credit rate for all four years, but $395 a credit hour still prices the degree above most peers scored at this level.

   Abilene Christian University places 6th of 12 in Texas at 81.3, with 5 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $43,900 is above the state midpoint, where the published range runs $3,818 to $58,100. Its 59% graduation rate sits against a 30% to 80% spread across the 12 Texas schools that report one.

   It admits 66% of applicants, against 38% to 87% across Texas. It confers 49 bachelor's degrees a year, 4% of the 1,305 awarded across Texas at this level.

   • Locked-In Tuition rate for the full degree
   • NASM certification credit transfer
   • 64 major credit hours
   • Fully online delivery

   Graduation rate

   59%

   Admit rate

   66%

   In-state tuition

   $43,900

   Out-of-state tuition

   $43,900

   Cost of attendance

   $63,262

   Undergrad enrollment

   3,263

   Degrees conferred

   49

   View Abilene Christian University's B.S. in Exercise Science www.acu.edu

7. 07

   Rank 7: Parker University

   B.S. in Strength and Human Performance

   Dallas, TX · Private nonprofit · city campus · online option

   Our score

   81.1

   7th of 12 in Texas

   National rank 127 of 568

   A 300-hour internship inside the Strength and Conditioning Concentration should draw candidates chasing Parker University's CASCE-accredited B.S. in Strength and Human Performance and an early run at the CSCS exam.

   Parker University places 7th of 12 in Texas at 81.1, with 6 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $26,208 is below the state midpoint, where the published range runs $3,818 to $58,100.

   Its 74% graduation rate sits against a 30% to 80% spread across the 12 Texas schools that report one. It confers 3 bachelor's degrees a year, 0% of the 1,305 awarded across Texas at this level.

   • 80-hour Practicum Track option
   • Online coursework paired with the internship
   • SACSCOC institutional accreditation
   • 3 degrees conferred a year

   Graduation rate

   74%

   In-state tuition

   $26,208

   Out-of-state tuition

   $26,208

   Undergrad enrollment

   621

   Degrees conferred

   3

   View Parker University's B.S. in Strength and Human Performance www.parker.edu

8. 08

   Rank 8: The University of Texas at Arlington

   Exercise Science B.S.

   Arlington, TX · Public · city campus

   Our score

   78.6

   8th of 12 in Texas

   National rank 174 of 568

   Choosing between three Exercise Science tracks and three Kinesiology BA tracks at UT Arlington means trading name recognition and scale for a 54% graduation rate right at the median for the level.

   The University of Texas at Arlington places 8th of 12 in Texas at 78.6, with 7 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $9,206 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $3,818 to $58,100. Its 54% graduation rate sits against a 30% to 80% spread across the 12 Texas schools that report one.

   It admits 80% of applicants, against 38% to 87% across Texas. It confers 194 bachelor's degrees a year, 15% of the 1,305 awarded across Texas at this level. Residency is worth $17,632 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $26,838 out-of-state rate.

   • Six tracks across two undergraduate degrees
   • 3+2 pathway to Athletic Training M.S.
   • Required oral research presentation course
   • $9,206 in-state tuition
   • 194 kinesiology degrees conferred yearly

   Graduation rate

   54%

   Admit rate

   80%

   In-state tuition

   $9,206

   Out-of-state tuition

   $26,838

   Cost of attendance

   $29,562

   Undergrad enrollment

   32,545

   Degrees conferred

   194

   View University of Texas at Arlington's Exercise Science B.S. www.uta.edu

9. 09

   Rank 9: Texas A & M International University

   Bachelor of Science with a Major in Kinesiology, Concentration in Exercise Science

   Laredo, TX · Public · city campus

   Our score

   77.1

   9th of 12 in Texas

   National rank 203 of 568

   TAMIU's Kinesiology concentration in Exercise Science caps out at 120 semester credit hours, at least 45 of them advanced, with two courses carrying the university's writing-intensive designation.

   Texas A & M International University places 9th of 12 in Texas at 77.1, with 8 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $3,818 is the lowest in the state, where the published range runs $3,818 to $58,100. Its 46% graduation rate sits against a 30% to 80% spread across the 12 Texas schools that report one.

   It admits 44% of applicants, against 38% to 87% across Texas. It confers 81 bachelor's degrees a year, 6% of the 1,305 awarded across Texas at this level. Residency is worth $9,840 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $13,658 out-of-state rate.

   • Research Methods course requirement
   • Sport and Adapted Physical Activity coursework
   • Recommended 18-hour Psychology minor
   • Eight-semester plan with no summer terms
   • 81 degrees conferred a year

   Graduation rate

   46%

   Admit rate

   44%

   In-state tuition

   $3,818

   Out-of-state tuition

   $13,658

   Cost of attendance

   $22,762

   Undergrad enrollment

   7,210

   Degrees conferred

   81

   View Texas A & M International University's Bachelor of Science with a Major in Kinesiology, Concentration in Exercise Science www.tamiu.edu

10. 10

    Rank 10: The University of Texas at San Antonio

    Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

    San Antonio, TX · Public · city campus

    Our score

    75.9

    10th of 12 in Texas

    National rank 226 of 568

    Texas residents wanting five kinesiology concentrations, from Athletic Training to Strength and Conditioning, at $6,266 a year should shortlist UT San Antonio's kinesiology degree, backed by 11 research labs and a 371-graduate annual pipeline.

    The University of Texas at San Antonio places 10th of 12 in Texas at 75.9, with 9 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $6,266 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $3,818 to $58,100. Its 53% graduation rate sits against a 30% to 80% spread across the 12 Texas schools that report one.

    It admits 87% of applicants, against 38% to 87% across Texas. It confers 371 bachelor's degrees a year, 28% of the 1,305 awarded across Texas at this level. Residency is worth $12,923 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $19,189 out-of-state rate.

    • 1,800 clinical hours required for Athletic Training track
    • ACSM and NSCA certification exam pathways
    • Dedicated teaching labs apart from the research labs
    • Half of kinesiology majors are first-generation students
    • Concentration declared only after passing Foundations of Kinesiology

    Graduation rate

    53%

    Admit rate

    87%

    In-state tuition

    $6,266

    Out-of-state tuition

    $19,189

    Cost of attendance

    $27,925

    Undergrad enrollment

    31,127

    Degrees conferred

    371

    View University of Texas at San Antonio's Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology www.utsa.edu

11. 11

    Rank 11: Saint Edward's University

    Kinesiology

    Austin, TX · Private nonprofit · city campus

    Our score

    74.4

    11th of 12 in Texas

    National rank 262 of 568

    At $50,484 a year, cheaper than just 6% of its group of comparable programs, Saint Edward's trades a steep price for six concentration tracks and a 63% graduation rate eight points above median.

    Saint Edward's University places 11th of 12 in Texas at 74.4, with 10 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $50,484 is in the dearer quarter of the state, where the published range runs $3,818 to $58,100. Its 63% graduation rate sits against a 30% to 80% spread across the 12 Texas schools that report one.

    It admits 81% of applicants, against 38% to 87% across Texas. It confers 27 bachelor's degrees a year, 2% of the 1,305 awarded across Texas at this level.

    • Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-OT, and Pre-PT licensure tracks
    • Student-run Physical Therapy Organization
    • Sports Management concentration for business-minded majors
    • 81% admit rate
    • 3,033 total university enrollment

    Graduation rate

    63%

    Admit rate

    81%

    In-state tuition

    $50,484

    Out-of-state tuition

    $50,484

    Cost of attendance

    $71,334

    Undergrad enrollment

    2,499

    Degrees conferred

    27

    View Saint Edward's University's Kinesiology www.stedwards.edu

12. 12

    Rank 12: Texas A&M University-Texarkana

    Kinesiology, B.S.

    Texarkana, TX · Public · city campus · online option

    Our score

    72.8

    12th of 12 in Texas

    National rank 300 of 568

    A 30% graduation rate, the steepest single drag in our model at the 5th percentile among peers, defines Texas A&M-Texarkana's kinesiology degree more than any other figure.

    Texas A&M University-Texarkana places 12th of 12 in Texas at 72.8, with 11 programs scoring above it. In-state tuition of $6,209 is in the cheaper quarter of the state, where the published range runs $3,818 to $58,100. Its 30% graduation rate sits against a 30% to 80% spread across the 12 Texas schools that report one.

    It admits 64% of applicants, against 38% to 87% across Texas. It confers 23 bachelor's degrees a year, 2% of the 1,305 awarded across Texas at this level. Residency is worth $16,331 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $22,540 out-of-state rate.

    • Coaching and Administration, General and Pre-Therapy tracks
    • Credit-bearing internship placed in senior year
    • IPEDS flags an online option at this campus
    • In-state tuition undercuts 92% of comparable programs
    • 64% admit rate, tighter than the 80% median for the level

    Graduation rate

    30%

    Admit rate

    64%

    In-state tuition

    $6,209

    Out-of-state tuition

    $22,540

    Cost of attendance

    $29,381

    Undergrad enrollment

    1,982

    Degrees conferred

    23

    View Texas A&M University-Texarkana's Kinesiology, B.S. www.tamut.edu

Every Bachelor's in Kinesiology Program in Texas 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 Texas

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

Exercise Physiologists in Texas

Texas median

$56,780

vs national

−$2,680

Employed in TX

520

10th to 90th

$36,890 – $79,150

Every Texas Occupation This Field Feeds, by Median Wage

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

Other Kinesiology Degree Levels in Texas

This page ranks bachelor's programs only. Texas 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 Texas 2 programs ranked
• Master's Master's in Kinesiology in Texas 12 programs ranked
• Doctoral PhD in Kinesiology in Texas 6 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 Texas’s own BLS medians where published.

• Occupational Therapist$106,140 median in Texas · needs master's degree
• Physical Therapist$105,810 median in Texas · needs doctoral degree
• Physical Therapist Assistant$78,000 median in Texas · reachable at this level
• Athletic Trainer$64,150 median in Texas · needs master's degree
• Recreational Therapist$62,490 median in Texas · reachable at this level
• Exercise Physiologist$56,780 median in Texas · reachable at this level
• Fitness Trainer or Group Instructor$40,880 median in Texas · reachable at this level
• Coach or Scout$36,510 median in Texas · 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 Texas, 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 Texas

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

• Alabama 8
• Arkansas 10
• Delaware 1
• Florida 10
• Georgia 12
• Kentucky 7