Best athletic training degrees and colleges

The best athletic training programs should be at the top of the list of anyone interested in a sports-related healthcare career. Does that sound like you?

Athletic training degrees are perfect for people who are compassionate and detail-oriented, and who possesses excellent decision-making and interpersonal skills. It should go without saying that an athletic training major loves sports, too.

The number of athletic trainers is projected to grow 21% through 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports—though due to the small size of this industry, only 4,900 new jobs were projected to be created between 2012 and 2022. On average, athletic trainers earn about $39,000 annually, according to PayScale, although some earn as much as $54,000.

To earn your sports trainer degree, you need a master's degree, according to the National Athletic Trainers' Association. But which colleges have the best athletic training programs?

Below is a list of the top five colleges for athletic trainer majors, according to startclass.com. Ratings are based on financial affordability, career readiness, admissions selectivity, academic excellence and expert opinion.

1. University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

• In-state tuition: $13,856
• Out-of-state tuition: $43,476
• Incoming freshmen: 6,092
• Undergraduate acceptance rate: 26.3%

2. University of Florida (Gainesville)

• In-state tuition: $6,381
• Out-of-state tuition: $28,659
• Incoming freshmen: 6,887
• Undergraduate acceptance rate: 47.5%

3. University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

• In-state tuition: $15,054
• Out-of-state tuition: 30,214
• Incoming freshmen: 7,562
• Undergraduate acceptance rate: 65.6%

​​4. University of Texas at Austin

• In-state tuition: $9,806
• Out-of-state tuition: $34,676
• Incoming freshmen: 7,743
• Undergraduate acceptance rate: 39.2%

5. Boston University

• Tuition (in-state and out-of-state): $48,436
• Incoming freshmen: 3,629
• Undergraduate acceptance rate: 32.6%

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