01Recommended
American Public University System
Students who want the strongest overall online exercise science program.
- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
17 Best Online Exercise Science Degrees of 2026
American Public University System is the strongest overall option, Lionel University is a top-five private pick and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a top-five public option. Decide whether cost, accreditation or flexibility matters most to you, then confirm per-credit tuition and transfer credit directly with each school.
Fact-checkedOur top 3 picks
Independent picks from our 2026 ranking. No paid placements.
02Top five
Lionel University
Students who want a top five program.
- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
03Top five
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Students who want a top five program.
- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
Advertiser disclosure RaveReviews may earn a commission from links on this page. That never influences our scores or rankings. How we make money.
The RaveReviews AlgorithmSources, weights and method
How the score works
We collect published rankings in this category, normalize each placement to a 0–100 scale, weight the sources by category fit and recency, and average only the lists where a provider appears. The result is divided by 10 and rounded to one decimal.
- 01Collect the source rankings.
- 02Normalize every position.
- 03Weight the sources.
- 04Calculate the RaveReviews Algorithm score.
Scoring factors
- Student outcomes30%
- Affordability25%
- Flexibility20%
- Student support15%
- Reputation and accreditation10%
Sources used
Last reviewed 2026-11-02. 3 sources contributed to this ranking.
The ranking at a glanceScores, chart and shortlist shape
Score curve
How the top 10 scores fall from first to tenth.
#1#5#10
Top scores
The first five, scored out of 10.
What you need to know before you choose.
Online exercise science degrees range widely in tuition and accreditation. Compare per-credit cost, regional accreditation and transfer credit before choosing.
Confirm regional accreditation, current per-credit tuition and how many transfer credits the program will accept. Ask whether lab or practicum requirements can be completed online or need a local site.
What the research says.
This shortlist is built from published rankings, not a single editor's opinion. Here is the evidence behind the score.
17options reviewed
7.6average score
10.0top score
3authority sources
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Authority sources
Read the published rankings behind this list.
OnlineU — 2026 Best Online Exercise Science Degrees
Online Exercise Science Degree — 2027 Best Online Bachelor's in Exercise Science
Academic Influence — Best Online Bachelor's in Kinesiology Degree Programs for 2026 (closest program-specific ranking)
Key insights
17options reviewed
Compared on value, features, ease, support and reputation.
5weighted ranking factors
The same published model across every category.
0paid placements
Compensation never changes a score or a rank.
Education options ranked
17 options, scored on value, features, ease of use, support and reputation.
American Public University System
RecommendedBest overall- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Private institution
Lionel University
Top five- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Private institution
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Top five- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
Northeastern State University
Top five- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
California Baptist University
Top five- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Private nonprofit
Texas Tech University
Top 10 RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Top 10 RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
Abilene Christian University
Top 10 RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Private nonprofit
New Mexico State University
Top 10 RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
University of the Cumberlands
Best value- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Private nonprofit
University of North Dakota
Single-source entry- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
Kansas State University
Single-source entry- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
Bryan University Online
Two-source RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Private institution
Parker University
Two-source RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Private nonprofit
Eastern Oregon University
Two-source RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
East Central University
Two-source RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
Cameron University
Two-source RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
American Public University System is regionally accredited and publishes tuition of $360 per credit.
10.0RaveReviews Algorithm
Compare the top options
The details that matter most, in one view.
| Offer | American Public University System | Lionel University | University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Northeastern State University |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RaveReviews Algorithm | 10.0 | 9.8 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
| Best for | Students who want the strongest overall online exercise science program. | Students who want a top five program. | Students who want a top five program. | Students who want a top five program. |
| Price | $360 | $380 | $380 | $279 |
| Highlight | 100% online | 100% online | 100% online | 100% online |
Showing the top 4 of 17 options. See every ranked option.
The questions buyers actually ask
Clear answers to the decisions that come after the shortlist.
What is the best choice in online exercise science degrees?
If you want the short answer, start with American Public University System. It earned a 10.0 out of 10 in our 2026 ranking, and it is the option we would shortlist first for students who want the strongest overall online exercise science program.. That does not mean it is the right choice for every reader. It means it is the most defensible place to begin.
The ranking is a shortlist, not a finish line. The right option depends on the job you need done, the total cost after fees and the support you will actually use. Lionel University is the stronger fit for students who want a top five program.. University of Louisiana at Lafayette is worth a close look for students who want a top five program.. Start with the top pick, then compare the runner-up on the details that change your decision.
Most buyers do not need the longest feature list. They need a clear answer to a smaller question. What will this cost over a year? What happens when something goes wrong? Can I leave without a penalty? Those questions separate a good shortlist from a good decision.
How did we rank online exercise science degrees?
We used the same five-factor model across this category. Student outcomes at 30%, affordability at 25%, flexibility at 20%, student support at 15%, reputation and accreditation at 10%. The weights are published because a score without a method is just a vibe with a decimal point.
The process starts with the evidence a buyer can actually check. We review provider materials, published pricing, contract terms and the support model. Then we compare the details that tend to cause regret later. A low headline price does not count for much if the service fee, cancellation term or coverage limit undoes it.
We also separate popularity from quality. A brand can be everywhere and still be a poor fit for your situation. The ranking rewards fit, not advertising spend. That is why the top pick may not be the most famous name on the page.
What should you look for in online exercise science degrees?
Start with the features that affect your actual use case. For American Public University System, the relevant details include 100% online, regionally accredited, private institution. Those are not decoration. They are the parts of the product that determine whether it works on a normal Tuesday, not just on the day you sign up.
Then look at the terms. Price is easy to compare. Contract length, service fees, cancellation rules, support hours and eligibility are harder. They are also where most of the real cost hides. Ask for the total annual cost, not the monthly teaser. Ask what happens if you need to cancel, move or change the plan.
Finally, check the track record. A provider that answers a sales call quickly may be slow when you need help. Read recent reviews, look for patterns and ask how disputes are handled. The best time to learn how a company behaves is before you depend on it.
How much do online exercise science degrees cost?
American Public University System starts at $360 /credit. Lionel University starts at $380 /credit. University of Louisiana at Lafayette starts at $380 /credit. Those prices are a starting point, not a full budget. The final number depends on the plan, the contract, the add-ons and where you live.
Here is the part most shoppers miss. The cheapest monthly price is often the most expensive decision. A low rate with a long contract, a large service fee or a narrow coverage set can cost more than a higher headline price with clean terms. Compare the total cost over the period you expect to use the product.
Set a budget before you compare. Then decide which features are worth paying for. If you cannot explain why an upgrade matters to your actual use, it is probably not an upgrade. It is a sales feature.
Which option is best for students who want the strongest overall online exercise science program.?
American Public University System is the pick here because american public university system is regionally accredited and publishes tuition of $360 per credit.. It is not the cheapest option in the category, and it is not trying to be. It is the option that makes the fewest compromises where the decision matters most.
That recommendation comes with a condition. If your priority is different, the ranking should change. A reader who needs the lowest possible upfront cost should look at the value pick. A reader who needs hands-on support should pay attention to service quality. The best answer is always relative to the job.
Use the top pick as a benchmark. Compare every other option against it on price, terms and the one feature you cannot do without. If another option wins on those three points, it deserves a closer look.
What should you verify before you buy?
Verify the total cost, not the promotional price. Ask for the monthly cost after any introductory period ends. Ask about setup fees, service fees, cancellation fees and anything that changes when you add a user, a location or a feature. The number you see in an ad is rarely the number you will pay in month twelve.
Verify the terms that are easy to miss. Contract length, renewal rules, data practices and support hours matter more than most buyers expect. If the provider cannot explain them clearly before the sale, assume the answer will be harder to get afterward.
Verify the fit with your actual workflow. A demo can make any product look simple. A free trial or a short pilot can show you what the product feels like on a normal day. Use the trial to test the one feature you need most. That is a better use of time than touring every menu.
What should you do next?
Start with the top pick and read the full review. Then compare the runner-up on the three details that matter most to you. If you are still unsure, use the comparison table and the methodology on this page. The goal is not to keep researching forever. The goal is to make a decision you can explain.
Before you sign up, confirm the current price, the contract term and the cancellation policy directly with the provider. Prices change. Terms change. A ranking can point you in the right direction, but the final check has to happen at the source.
If this ranking helped you narrow the list, stop there. A shortlist of two or three good options is enough. The best decision is the one you can act on with confidence, not the one that keeps you in the research phase for another month.
Who wrote and reviewed this ranking
Every ranking has a named editor and a separate quality review before publication.
David Krug
Head of Content
David leads the RaveReviews editorial team, turning research into clear comparisons and useful guides. He oversees content strategy, testing standards and the final read on every ranking.
LinkedIn
Annie Membreve
Head of Quality Control
Annie runs quality control at RaveReviews, checking sourcing, scoring and the details readers rely on. She reviews every ranking before publication and manages corrections.
TikTokFrequently asked questions
Are online Exercise Science degrees respected by employers?
Regionally accredited online degrees are generally treated the same as campus degrees. Recognition depends on the institution, program accreditation and your field.
How much does an online Exercise Science degree cost?
Compare total program cost, fees, transfer credit and any residency requirements. The published tuition figure is only one part of the budget.
Can I transfer credits?
Often, yes, but the amount varies. Ask for a transfer evaluation in writing before you enroll.
Keep comparing
More rankings and guides for the decision in front of you.