- Programs ranked
- 1
- In-state tuition
- $9,047
- Avg graduation rate
- 51%
- Median wage (BLS)
- $59,460
What PhD in Kinesiology Programs in Colorado Cost and Who Gets In
We scored all 39 doctoral programs in exercise science and kinesiology (CIP 31.0505) on the same weighted model, then pulled the single highest scoring in Colorado. University of Northern Colorado leads the state with a score of 60, which is national rank 36 out of 39. It does not crack the national top 25, so read the score below rather than assuming a national reputation.
In-state tuition is $9,047 at the one program here. The one school with a published graduation rate reports 51%. The one school publishing an admit rate reports 86%. Together they conferred 5 research doctorates in the field in the latest IPEDS completions year.
The one program here is at a public institution. None carry an online flag in IPEDS, so plan on attending in person.
The PhD in Kinesiology Program in Colorado, 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.
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Rank 1: University of Northern Colorado
Ph.D. in Kinesiology
Greeley, CO · Public · city campus
Our score
1st of 1 in Colorado
National rank 36 of 39
A 51% graduation rate at Northern Colorado sits at just the 13th percentile among the 39 peer doctoral programs scored, against a 75% median, the single largest weight on the score.
University of Northern Colorado is the only doctoral program in Colorado in this ranking, scoring 60. In-state tuition is $9,047, the only rate published in Colorado at this level. It admits 86% of applicants.
It confers 5 research doctorates a year. Residency is worth $15,078 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $24,125 out-of-state rate. Nationally it is 36th of the 39 doctoral programs scored at this level.
- Five doctoral focus areas including Biomechanics, Social Psychology
- Mentor-based admissions naming a faculty advisor
- Access to Cancer Rehabilitation Institute, Human Performance Labs
- GRE optional for admission
- 64-credit doctoral program requirement
- Graduation rate
- 51%
- Admit rate
- 86%
- In-state tuition
- $9,047
- Out-of-state tuition
- $24,125
- Cost of attendance
- $33,480
- Undergrad enrollment
- 6,480
- Degrees conferred
- 5
View University of Northern Colorado's Ph.D. in Kinesiology www.unco.edu
What Kinesiology Careers Pay in Colorado
Occupational medians for everyone in the job, not starting pay and not outcomes for any one program.
Exercise Physiologists in Colorado
- Colorado median
- $63,800
- vs national
- +$4,340
- Employed in CO
- 370
- 10th to 90th
- $45,210 – $75,350
Exercise Physiologists in Colorado earn a median of $63,800, $4,340 above the national median of $59,460, across 370 jobs in the state. The bottom tenth earn under $45,210 and the top tenth clear $75,350, so the median is a midpoint rather than an offer.
Every Colorado Occupation This Field Feeds, by Median Wage
| Occupation | CO median | vs national | Jobs in CO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapists | $106,720 | +$6,390 | 3,390 |
| Physical Therapists | $102,030 | −$730 | 5,630 |
| Recreational Therapists | $66,580 | +$4,620 | 200 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $64,810 | −$3,570 | 1,350 |
| Athletic Trainers | $64,580 | +$2,060 | 380 |
| Exercise Physiologists | $63,800 | +$4,340 | 370 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $49,900 | +$2,740 | 10,500 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,110 | −$210 | 4,120 |
Of the 8 occupations in this field that BLS prices for Colorado, Occupational Therapists pays the most at $106,720 ($6,390 above its national median). The largest employer of the 8 is Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors, at 10,500 jobs in the state paying a median of $49,900. 5 of the 8 with a national comparison pay above their national medians here.
Other Kinesiology Degree Levels in Colorado
This page ranks doctoral programs only. Colorado 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 PhD in Kinesiology?
These 8 occupations list this credential, or less, as their typical entry requirement. Figures are Colorado’s own BLS medians where published.
- Occupational Therapist$106,720 median in Colorado · reachable at this level
- Physical Therapist$102,030 median in Colorado · reachable at this level
- Recreational Therapist$66,580 median in Colorado · reachable at this level
- Physical Therapist Assistant$64,810 median in Colorado · reachable at this level
- Athletic Trainer$64,580 median in Colorado · reachable at this level
- Exercise Physiologist$63,800 median in Colorado · reachable at this level
- Fitness Trainer or Group Instructor$49,900 median in Colorado · reachable at this level
- Coach or Scout$47,110 median in Colorado · 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 Colorado, 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
PhD in Kinesiology Programs Near Colorado
The same ranking, filtered to one state at a time. The number is how many programs that state ranks.