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47 Best Sports & Recreation Master's Universities in the United States 2026

This ranks Sports & Recreation master’s options in the United States for 2026. It is for applicants comparing where this degree can take them and which universities to verify next.

Ranked by our transparent composite score, with QS rankings, tuition fees and entry requirements.

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47 universities · ranked best first

how we rank

1

XU

Xavier University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

2

CB

California Baptist University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

3

LU

Lander University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

4

AS

Albany State University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

5

MS

Mount St. Mary's University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

6

AP

American Public University System

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

7

CS

Columbus State University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

8

AU

Antioch University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

9

AU

Ashland University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

10

AU

Aurora University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

11

BU

Bastyr University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

12

CS

California State University, San Marcos

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

Sports & Recreation at other levels

Best Foundation Sports & Recreation Best Diploma Sports & Recreation Best Bachelor's Sports & Recreation Best PhD Sports & Recreation Best Professional Sports & Recreation

Related Master's subjects

Sports Science Master's

Frequently asked questions

Which are the best universities worldwide for Master's Sports & Recreation?▾

Based on our composite ranking, the top choices include Xavier University, California Baptist University, Lander University. See the full ranked list above with QS positions, tuition fees and entry requirements.

How much does a Master's in Sports & Recreation cost abroad?▾

Tuition varies by university and is indicative on each profile — public universities are generally the most affordable, while private and international branch campuses charge more. Scholarships can reduce costs significantly.

Can international students study Sports & Recreation abroad?▾

Yes. Most programmes are taught in English and open to international students, who apply for a student visa through the immigration authority after accepting an offer.

How are these universities ranked?▾

We use a transparent composite score combining QS World/Asia positions, your destination country’s star rating, academic breadth, internationalisation and student support — never paid placement. See our ranking methodology for the exact weights.

Studying Sports & Recreation at Master's level abroad

your destination country is a popular, affordable destination for Sports & Recreation at Master's level, with provincially accredited programmes taught in English at both public and private universities, plus international branch campuses. The universities above are ordered by our composite ranking score, which combines QS World and QS Americas positions, your destination country’s star rating, academic breadth, internationalisation and student support — with no paid placement.

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At master’s level, Sports & Recreation is a postgraduate route for applicants who already have an undergraduate degree and want to move into advanced study in sport management, recreation, or a related field. It suits students planning professional or specialist roles rather than first-degree entry.

The universities in this group are all public, so the main comparison is between individual campuses and the way each programme is structured. Some are in larger city settings, while others are in smaller locations, which can affect living costs, commute patterns, and access to placements. Published tuition and fees are not available for every university, so compare the institutions where costs are stated and confirm the rest directly.

Before applying, verify the exact master’s title, tuition and fees, admission requirements, application deadline, and whether the programme is full-time, part-time, or online. Also confirm any placement, internship, or licensing requirements tied to your chosen track, because those details can vary by university and are needed to judge fit.