In this article, we highlight the 50 most affordable small Southern colleges for a Sports Management degree.
For students with a passion for sports and a drive for business, earning a Bachelor’s in Sports Management can be the first step toward pursuing your dream career. Recommended Sports Management programs are accredited by reputable governing bodies, offer quality courses and academic rigor, and allow students to hone their skills in particular areas of interest.
This specialty degree program does not have to come at a hefty price tag. In fact, we have located some of the most affordable small Southern colleges to earn an accredited Sports Management degree.
Related Resource: Can I Earn a Specialized Sports Marketing Degree?
Methodology
To determine this ranking, we used the NCES College Navigator database to examine 61 institutions within the United States that offered four-year Bachelor’s degrees in Sport and Fitness Administration and/or Management and were located in the southern United States. We focused on small southern colleges with an undergraduate student enrollment fewer than 3,000. After compiling a list, we identified the least expensive schools based on the most recent net price at NCES College Navigator. Since tuition prices and fees are subject to change without notice, prospective students should contact the school directly to acquire the latest cost information.
Here is our ranking of the 50 most affordable small Southern colleges for a Sports Management degree.
Related Resource: What Does A Sports Nutritionist Do?
#50 – Belmont Abbey College
Bachelor’s in Sport Management
Belmont, North Carolina
Net Price: $23,158
Adhering to the principles of Benedictine and Catholicism beliefs, Belmont Abbey College provides ethically based curriculum in all of their undergraduate programs. For those interested in a career in sports management, the school provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management program that offers exposure to the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the sports industry. Class topics include Sport Business and Finance, Sport Law and Risk Management, Sport Marketing, and a Senior Capstone and Internship. The school ranks high among similar institutions, according to U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists Belmont Abbey as the 39th Best Regional College in the South.
For More Information: Belmont Abbey College
#49 – Gardner-Webb University
BS in Sports Management
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Net Price: $22,988
Offering academics rooted in Christian ethics, Gardner-Webb University provides an accredited Sport Management degree that combines specific areas of business and leadership with a solid sport management curriculum. The Sport Management degree program is offered by the Broyhill Undergraduate School of Management at Gardner-Webb, with classes taught by qualified professors with years of industry experience in and out of the classroom. The unique degree design combines business disciplines, including economics, finance, and accounting, with sports management knowledge and leadership. Successful completion of the program earns students a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. The school ranks high among regional institutions. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Gardner-Webb as the 41st Best Regional University in the South.
For More Information: Gardner-Webb University
#48 – Meredith College
Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science
Raleigh, North Carolina
Net Price: $22,642
Meredith College is a private school located in Raleigh, North Carolina, that maintains a small undergraduate population of fewer than 1,700 students. While the campus is set in the urban and capital city of Raleigh, the campus maintains a rural feel. The school is ranked as the 5th Best Regional College in the South, according to U.S. News and World Report. Other rankings in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges include #5 among Best Value Schools and #4 among Best Colleges for Veterans. For those interested in a career in health, exercise science, or physical education, Meredith College offers various majors, including the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science with a concentration in either Health and Wellness or Health and Physical Education.
For More Information: Meredith College
#47 – Flagler College of St Augustine
Sports Management Major
Saint Augustine, Florida
Net Price: $21,914
Ranked 6th among the Best Regional Colleges in the South by U.S. News and World Report, Flagler College of St. Augustine is a private institution located in the northeast region of Florida. Students majoring in Sport Management are equipped to work in the professional sports industry through diverse course offerings and exposure to hands-on activities and available internships. Class topics explore areas such as Administration of Sport, Recreation and Fitness Management, Sociology of Sport, Sport Finance, Sport Law, and Sport Marketing and Promotion. Successful completion of the program earns a Bachelor’s in Sport Management and readiness to secure leadership roles in the multibillion-dollar sports management industry.
For More Information: Flagler College of St. Augustine
#46 – LeTourneau University
Bachelor’s in Kinesiology – Sports Management Concentration
Longview, Texas
Net Price: $21,434
The accredited Sports Management degree program offered at LeTourneau University combines business practice with kinesiology in an effort to prepare students to work in sports administration, fitness facility management, or other areas of sports management. Typical course offerings include Contemporary Issues in Sports Management, Principles of Business and Management, and Sports Marketing and Promotion. Successful graduates from LeTourneau’s Sports Management program have gone on to work in journalism, sports broadcasting, intramural administration, athletic directorships, and athletic administration for colleges, corporations, and professional sports teams. LeTourneau ranks high among similar schools for providing quality instruction and rigorous degree programs. According to U.S. News and World Report, LeTourneau ranks #32 among the Best Regional Universities in the West.
For More Information: LeTourneau University
#45 – Southern Adventist University
Bachelor’s in Sports Studies Management
Collegedale, Tennessee
Net Price: $21,110
Located in Collegedale, Tennessee, Southern Adventist University enrolls approximately 2,700 undergraduate students. The school is nestled on a rural campus that spans approximately 1,000 acres, offering peaceful surroundings and beautiful landscape. According to the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, U.S. News and World Report ranks Southern Adventist University as the 25th Best Regional College in the South. Sports enthusiasts may take part in the BS in Sports Studies program to gain the skills necessary to work in the sports industry. Students may major in Sports Studies and elect various areas of concentration, including Management, Recreation, or Psychology. Successful completion of the Sports Studies program earns a Bachelor of Science in Sports Studies.
For More Information: Southern Adventist University
#44 – Lees-McRae College
Bachelor’s in Sport Administration
Banner Elk, North Carolina
Net Price: $21,057
The Sport Administration program at Lees-McRae College is designed to prepare students for careers as sports industry leaders. Successful completion of the program earns a BA or BS in Sport Administration. Students also have the opportunity to earn a certificate in coaching, depending on the desired career path. Due to the college’s location, students have access to work with 19 competitive sports teams, gaining real-world experience and internship opportunities. The program offers two areas of concentration, including Sport Business Administration and Sport Media and Communication. According to the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, Lees-McRae College is ranked 60th among the Best Regional Colleges in the South.
For More Information: Lees-McRae College
#43 – Lubbock Christian University
Bachelor’s in Sports Management
Lubbock, Texas
Net Price: $20,266
Located in Lubbock, Texas and founded in 1957, Lubbock Christian University is a ranked private institution that offers an accredited Bachelor’s in Sports Management. A low student-to-faculty ratio affords students the ability to forge relationships with their instructors. The school is ranked #83 among the Best Regional Universities in the West, according to U.S. News and World Report. For those interested in a career in sports, a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management is available. The program combines disciplines such as business, finance, marketing, and sport management.
For More Information: Lubbock Christian University
#42 – Barton College
BS in Sport Management
Wilson, North Carolina
Net Price: $20,199
Barton College’s Sport Management program offers a unique study structure and design that allows students to gain field experience early on in their academic career. As a sophomore in the Sport Management program, students explore possible internships and take early field experience courses that prepare them for agency experience required during the junior year. Internship opportunities have included work with the Carolina Hurricanes, Disney’s Wide World of Sports, and NBC. The school is ranked #22 among similar regional colleges in the South, according to the 2016 edition of Best Colleges published by U.S. News and World Report.
For More Information: Barton College
#41 has been removed by the editor.
#40 – Schreiner University
Bachelor’s in Sport Management
Kerrville, Texas
Net Price: $19,983
The Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management degree program at Schreiner University prepares students for professional careers in fields of sport business, sport management, or sport marketing. The program combines business related courses with sport industry studies and physical education. Students have the option of pursuing a focus on sports management or exercise science, depending on their area of interest. Students receive quality instruction in small class size settings at Schreiner University. Undergraduate enrollment is under 1,100 students. According to the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, Schreiner ranks #16 among the Best Regional Colleges in the West and #4 among Best Value Schools.
For More Information: Schreiner University
#39 – Newberry College
Bachelor’s in Sports Management
Newberry, South Carolina
Net Price: $19,941
Newberry College is a private school located in Newberry, South Carolina. The school offers low enrollment and small class sizes to ensure students receive quality education and direct access to instructors. In fact, the average student-to-faculty ratio is maintained at 12:1 for all undergraduate classes. According to U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 edition of Best Colleges, Newberry ranks #41 among the Best Regional Colleges in the South. For students interested in a career in the sports industry, a BS in Physical Education with Sport Management Concentration is available. The program prepares sports industry leaders with ethical, professional, and sport management skills needed to succeed in the career field.
For More Information: Newberry College
#38 – Claflin University
BS in Sports Management
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Net Price: $19,803
Claflin University is a private, liberal arts college located in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The university is a historically black institution that is dedicated to providing quality education that prepares students to become visionaries and leaders in the community. U.S. News and World Report ranks Claflin as the 174th Best National Liberal Arts College and the 8th Best Historically Black College in the United States. For students interested in pursuing a career within the sports industry, Claflin offers a Sport Management program. Successful completion of the program earns a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. The program requires the completion of a faculty-mentored internship, comprised of sixty days of clinical experience working in the field.
For More Information: Claflin University
#37 – Catawba College
Bachelor’s in Sports Management
Salisbury, North Carolina
Net Price: $19,665
Known for providing small class sizes and quality instruction, Catawba College is a small, private institution located in Salisbury, North Carolina. The school ranks high on the list of Best Colleges, according to U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 15th Best Regional College in the South and the 11th Best College for Veterans. Students interested in a career in the sports industry have the option of majoring in various sports and fitness disciplines at Catawba. The popular and accredited BS in Sport Management combines business, law, management, and marketing disciplines to prepare students to work in the sports industry as administrators and leaders. A practicum and internship are required.
For More Information: Catawba College
#36 – Faulkner University
Bachelor of Science in Sport, Recreation and Fitness Management
Montgomery, Alabama
Net Price: $19,550
Located in the heart of Montgomery, Alabama, Faulkner University earns a spot on our list of affordable small Southern colleges for an accredited sports management degree. The school is ranked #54 among the Best Regional Colleges in the South, offering both online and traditional programs. The school’s online Bachelor’s programs have been ranked #167 out of more than 1,200 similar programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report. Faulkner offers a BS in Sports Management degree program that combines fitness and business disciplines. This unique combination of studies prepares students for careers in administration, marketing, and management within the sports industry.
For More Information: Faulkner University
#35 – Lenoir-Rhyne University
BA in Sports Management
Hickory, North Carolina
Net Price: $19,369
The Sport Management program at Lenoir-Rhyne University prepares students with foundational components of management and sports studies. Undergraduate students thrive from small class sizes and the opportunity of specializing in areas of interest. The program also encourages and guides students to take advantage of practical work experiences with local and regional sports teams and organizations. Successful completion of the program earns a BA in Sports Management with focus in pre-athletic training, health and exercise science, or sport sciences. Lenoir-Rhyne is ranked 13th among the Best Regional Colleges in the South, according to the 2016 edition of Best Colleges. Other rankings by U.S. News and World Report include #9 for Best Colleges for Veterans and #10 for Best Value Schools.
For More Information: Lenoir-Rhyne University
#34 – Huntingdon College
Bachelor’s in Sports Management
Montgomery, Alabama
Net Price: $19,127
The accredited Sport Management degree program from Huntingdon College provides rigorous in-class training, opportunities to gain experience through internships, and exposure to quality sport facilities. Students focus on curriculum that covers a variety of topics and disciplines, from marketing and business to public service and management. Students have the option of tailoring their curriculum to focus on particular areas of interest, such as media, advertising, communications, social service, and administration. Huntingdon College boasts high rankings with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, the institution ranks #21 among Best Regional Colleges in the South.
For More Information: Huntingdon College
#33 – Johnson C Smith University
Bachelor’s in Sports Management
Charlotte, North Carolina
Net Price: $19,032
Johnson C Smith University offers one of the more affordable Bachelor’s in Sports Management in the South. The program makes our list because of the small class sizes, affordable tuition rate for undergraduates, and low student-to-faculty ratio. Successful completion of the program earns a BS in Sport Management. Popular classes offered in the Sport Management program include Leadership and Governance in Sport, Sport Facilities Management, Sport Marketing, and Sport Psychology. U.S. News and World Report rank Johnson C Smith among some of the best colleges in the South. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists the school among the Tier 2 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges in the United States.
For More Information: Johnson C Smith University
#32 – John Brown University
Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and Sports Management
Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Net Price: $18,924
Ranked as the second best regional college in the South, John Brown University is a private institution that offers academic rigor and small class sizes, even for undergraduates. The average student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. Small class sizes promote relationship building among peers and direct access to professors. The Department of Kinesiology offers a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Management for students with a desire to step into careers in the sports industry. Students explore topics in health and wellness, kinesiology, sports psychology, and management. Students also have access to personalized fitness testing and exercise programs as desired.
Related Resource: Do I Need a Degree in Sports Journalism to Become a Sports Journalist?
#31 has been removed by the editor.
#30 – Belhaven University
Bachelor’s in Sports Administration
Jackson, Mississippi
Net Price: $18,583
The School of Business at Belhaven University offers a Bachelor of Science degree program in Sports Administration that combines biblical worldview and sports management and leadership. As part of the university’s School of Business, the sports administration program has been recognized by Business Reform Magazine as one of the top Christian Business Schools in the country. The program prepares students for graduate degrees in Sports Administration and readies undergraduates for careers in the industry. According to U.S. News and World Report, Belhaven is ranked as the 58th Best Regional University in the South. The institution’s online Bachelor’s programs are also ranked #199 in the country.
#29 – Shorter University
Bachelor of Business Administration in Sport Management
Rome, Georgia
Net Price: $18,495
Shorter University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Sport Management that prepares students for careers working in the sports industry. Students have the option of earning an online BBA in Sport Management or taking classes traditionally on campus. Successful completion of the degree requires a 12-hour internship. Online students have the option of participating in the internship. Past internships for undergraduates include positions with the Atlanta Falcons, Rome Braves, Jackie Robinson Ballpark, and GearSafe Technologies. Shorter College is ranked among Tier 2 national liberal arts colleges, according to the 2016 edition of Best Colleges published by U.S. News and World Report.
#28 – Ecclesia College
BS in Sports Management
Springdale, Arkansas
Net Price: $18,420
Ecclesia College offers a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management that prepares undergraduates for careers in the sports industry. Students explore topics such as Kinesiology and the History of Sport, Nutrition for Fitness and Sport, Sport Law, and Sport Promotion and Sales Management. Ecclesia College adheres to Christian beliefs and provides biblical-based classroom curriculum that explores worldview and Christian philosophies. Small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio promote and intimate learning environment. Students are able to build relationships with peers and gain direct access to instructors. Student work programs and internships allow students to gain practical experience working in the sports industry.
#27 – Toccoa Falls College
Bachelor’s in Sport Management
Toccoa Falls, Georgia
Net Price: $18,337
Toccoa Falls College is a small, private institution located in the northeast Georgia mountains. The wooded campus gives a feel of seclusion and provides a quiet learning environment for students wanting to attend a rural college. Ranked #33 among the Best Regional Colleges in the South, Toccoa Falls offers a Sport Management major that combines bible and theology with business and sport management. Successful completion of the program leads to a Bachelor’s in Sport Management. Popular class topics include Policies and Issues in Sport Management, Sport Financial Management, Sport Marketing, and a required Sport Management internship.
#26 – Cumberland University
Bachelor’s in Sports Management
Lebanon, Tennessee
Net Price: $18,137
Cumberland University is a private and small liberal arts institution located in Lebanon, Tennessee. The school is ranked a Tier 2 institution as among the Best Regional Universities in the South. Cumberland offers a Bachelor’s in Health and Human Performance with a Sport Management Emphasis. Curriculum in the sport management program meets standards recommended by The Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). Popular courses include Sport Ethics, Sport Enterprise, Sport Marketing, and Sport Leadership and Governance. A required internship worth ten credit hours provides students with hands-on experience and application of topics covered in the classroom.
#25 – Southwestern Adventist University
Bachelor’s in Kinesiology – Sports Management
Keene, Texas
Net Price: $18,116
Southwestern Adventist University’s Department of Kinesiology offers a comprehensive kinesiology program that combines health science and fitness with sport management studies. Students have the option of earning a BS in Sports and Fitness Management or a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology with emphasis in Sports Management. An internship is required for successful completion of the program and provides opportunities for students to apply what they have learned in class through work experience. U.S. News and World Report ranks Southwestern Adventist University as the 22nd Best Regional College in the West, according to the 2016 edition of Best Colleges.
#24 – Reinhardt University
Bachelor’s in Sports Studies – Sports Administration
Waleska, Georgia
Net Price: $17,934
Reinhardt University is a private, small university set in the rural landscape of Waleska, Georgia, just 45 minutes from Atlanta. This liberal arts college offers rigorous studies designed to challenge and support students pursuing a career in various fields of interest. For those interested in Sports Studies, the college offers two concentrations: Sports Administration and Sports Information. Successful completion of the program earns a Bachelor’s in Sports Studies. The program requires completion of an internship that provides academic credit while exposing students to real-world experience. Reinhardt University is ranked with U.S. News Report as the 54th Best Regional College in the South.
#23 – Wingate University
Sports Management Bachelor’s
Wingate, North Carolina
Net Price: $17,714
Wingate University prides itself in offering small class sizes that provide students with personal attention and opportunities to build relationships among peers and faculty members. For those interested in the sports industry, Wingate offers a Sport Management major for undergraduates that leads to a Bachelor’s in Sport Management. Access to a Master’s in Sport Management is also available at the university. Completion of the program requires a six-credit professional internship. Previous internships have included positions with the NBA, NFL, and NASCAR. According to U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 edition of Best Colleges, Wingate ranks #37 among the Best Regional Universities in the South.
#22 – Tusculum College
Bachelor’s in Sports Management
Greeneville, Tennessee
Net Price: $17,707
Tusculum College is a private, liberal arts institution located within a 140-acre wooded campus in Greeneville, Tennessee. Tusculum opened in 1794 and is the oldest college in Tennessee. Nine of the school’s historic buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The school offers various undergraduate degrees, including the Sports Management Bachelor’s. This program is designed for students who have a desire to work in management, marketing, or obtain leadership roles within the sports industry. Tusculum’s low student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 combined with small class sizes make the school perfect for someone who is looking for an intimate learning environment.
#21 – Pfeiffer University
Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management
Misenheimer, North Carolina
Net Price: $17,611
Pfeiffer University is a private, regional university that offers rigorous academics and challenging programs. For students interested in a degree in Sport Management, the university’s Division of Business offers an accredited Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management. Completion of the program prepares students for careers in athletics administration, sports facilities management, or sports media and communications. Popular course topics include International Business, Sociology of Sport, Sports Finance, and Sport Law. Experiential learning is an important aspect to the program and the school encourages real life experience by providing opportunities outside the classroom. U.S. News and World Report ranks Pfeiffer as the 76th Best Regional University in the South.
#20 – Trevecca Nazarene University
BS in Sports Management
Nashville, Tennessee
Net Price: $17,487
Trevecca Nazarene University is a private college founded in 1901 and located in the beautiful city of Nashville, Tennessee. Rooted in Christian principles and philosophies, the school’s programs prepare students with opportunities for holistic growth – focusing on body, soul, and spirit. For students interested in working in the sports industry, Trevecca offers an accredited BS in Sport Management with two areas of concentration: Coaching and Recreation, and Sports Ministry. Each concentration area prepares students to for careers in specific sports industry niches through rigorous curriculum and Biblical principles. Graduates of the program have gone on to secure employment as sports team managers, sports marketers, event managers, sport economists, and sports team ministers.
#19 – Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Bachelor’s in Sport Management
Charleston, South Carolina
Net Price: $17,450
The Citadel Military College of South Carolina, often called The Citadel or The Military College, is a public college in Charleston, South Carolina, located along the Ashley River. The school offers a classic military education for both men and women, although 90 percent of the students are male. The school ranks high with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists The Citadel as the #3 Best Regional University in the South. The school is also ranked #1 among the Top Public Schools and #5 among the Best Value Schools. The Department of Health, Exercise, and Sport Science offers an undergraduate degree with a Sports Management and Administration option for students with a passion for the sports industry. Internships and field experience are required for successful completion of the Bachelor’s in Sport Management.
#18 – King University
BS in Athletic Training – Sport Management
Briston, Tennessee
Net Price: $16,845
King University is a highly ranked regional institution located in the scenic city of Briston, Tennessee. Although the university has experienced eleven years of increasing enrollment, the student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 11:1. Small class sizes are designed to promote an optimal learning environment and provide opportunities for students to forge relationships with peers. Students interested in sports management and athletics may earn a BS in Athletic Training with various areas of focus, including Sport Management or Sport Psychology. The school and its programs are nationally and regionally ranked and accredited. According to the 2016 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report, King University ranks #71 among the Best Regional Universities in the South.
#17 – Welch College
BS in Exercise Science – Sports Management Emphasis
Nashville, Tennessee
Net Price: $16,446
Welch College four-year, private institution that offers various degrees emphasizing Christian worldview and rigorous academic focus. The campus is located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, and maintains small enrollment. Small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio keeps the learning atmosphere intimate while inviting students to forge relationships with peers and faculty members. According to U.S. News and World Report, Welch College is ranked as the 63rd Best Regional College in the South. The school’s Department of Arts and Sciences offers a BS in Exercise Science degree with the option to emphasize studies in Sports Management.
#16 – Mississippi College
BS in Sports Management
Clinton, Mississippi
Net Price: $16,418
Governed by the Board of Trustees from the Mississippi Baptist Convention, Mississippi College is a private, liberal arts college dedicated to offering rigorous academics that follow the Christian philosophy. The school is regionally ranked with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists Mississippi College as the 32nd Best Regional University in the South and the 11th Best Value School in the country. The school offers an affordable BS in Sports Management through the Kinesiology Division. Students are required to take classes such as Facility Design and Event Management, Legal Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity, Marketing Principles, and Principles of Management. An internship in Kinesiology is required for completion of the degree program.
#15 – Erskine College
Bachelor’s in Sports Management
Due West, South Carolina
Net Price: $16,253
Located in the small town of Due West, South Carolina, Erskine College is a private, Christian-based school that is considered to be one of the oldest and most-respected church-affiliated liberal arts colleges in the South. Erskine is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as a Tier 2 National Liberal Arts College and has received a #132 position among high school counselor rankings in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges. For students passionate about a career in the sports industry, Erskine offers an accredited Bachelor’s in Sports Management. The program focuses on fiscal management and business promotion within the sports industry and prepares students with a solid knowledge of the science of health and fitness.
#14 – Southern Wesleyan University
BS in Recreation and Sport Management
Central, South Carolina
Net Price: $16,022
Southern Wesleyan University offers a unique degree program for those interested in pursuing careers in the sports industry. Students may earn a BS in Recreation and Sport Management, based on Christian philosophies within two concentration tracks: Sport Management and Outdoor Leadership. The Sport Management concentration allows students to participate in exciting internships designed to improve practical application of what is learned in the classroom. Students also have the opportunity to attend conferences in Sport and Entertainment, visit stadiums in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, and hear experts in the field discuss industry related topics. According to U.S. News and World Report, Southern Wesleyan University ranks among the Tier 2 best regional colleges in the South.
#13 – Livingstone College
Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
Salisbury, North Carolina
Net Price: $15,812
The Division of Business at Livingstone College offers a BS in Sport Management degree program designed to improve leadership skills and prepare students for careers in the sports industry. Participants in the program are encouraged to join the Sport Management Club (SMC) and immerse themselves in sport management activities offered on and off campus. Livingstone is a historically black institution founded in 1879, and offers liberal arts studies that are both challenging and diverse in scope. According to U.S. News and World Report, the school is ranked among Tier 2 regional colleges in the South. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Livingstone to award baccalaureate degrees.
#12 – Warner University
Bachelor’s in Sport Management
Lake Wales, Florida
Net Price: $15,545
Located conveniently between Orlando and Tampa in Lake Wales, Florida, Warner University is a private university that offers various degree programs for undergraduates. One of the most popular degree programs is offered through the Department of Exercise and Sport Studies. Students may major in Sport Management, or various other disciplines. Successful completion of the Sport Management program earns a Bachelor’s in Sport Management. Course requirements include Athletic Facility and Event Management, Sports Marketing and Public Relations, and Theory and Practice of Coaching Sports. Students are also required to take Business Law, Public Relations, and Sport Journalism.
#11 – Coker College
Bachelor’s in Sports Studies
Hartsville, South Carolina
Net Price: $15,378
The Department of Business Administration at Coker College offers undergraduate students the option of earning a BBA in three concentrations areas: Management, Marketing, or Sport Management. Sports enthusiasts and those wanting to pursue a career in the sports industry find the Sport Management major a good fit. The unique program design focuses on honing business skills while providing knowledge and hands-on application in management and marketing sports. Coker College is highly ranked with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school ranks #20 among the Best Regional Colleges in the South and #15 among the Best Colleges for Veterans.
#10 – Voorhees College
Bachelor’s in Sports Management
Denmark, South Carolina
Net Price: $15,136
Voorhees College is a private institution located in Denmark, South Carolina. The school is a historically black college that is ranked among the Tier 2 regional colleges in the South, according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 edition of Best Colleges. Voorhees offers a unique Sports Management degree program that leads to a Bachelor’s in Sports Management. The Division of Health and Natural Sciences offers the program that combines business administration, sports management, and a 12 credit-hour internship. The required internship is designed to provide participating students with practical and real-world experience working in the sports industry.
For More Information: Voorhees College
#9 – North Greenville University
Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
Tigerville, South Carolina
Net Price: $15,118
North Greenville offers both traditional and online degree program options. For those interested in a career in the sports industry, the accredited BS in Sport Management program provides training. Internships and access to real-world experience are provided through the program. North Greenville is highly ranked as a top regional college in the South. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks North Greenville University as the 27th Best Regional College in the South.
For More Information: North Greenville University
#8 – Christian Brothers University
BS in Business Administration – Sport Management
Memphis, Tennessee
Net Price: $15,053
Christian Brothers University is a top-ranked small college in the South due to affordable tuition, quality education, and a low student-to-faculty ratio. The school enrolls approximately 1,300 students and offers various majors in a wide variety of disciplines. The School of Business offers a unique Sport Management degree program that allows students to earn a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Sport Management. Typical course topics explored in the program include Management and the Sport Industries, Sport Industries and the Law, and Sport Marketing and Public Relations. Christian Brothers is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 27th Best Regional University in the South and is 9th among similar Best Value Schools in the country.
For More Information: Christian Brothers University
#7 – Emmanuel College
Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and Sports Management
Franklin Springs, Georgia
Net Price: $14,746
Emmanuel College is a private, small Christian college located in Franklin Springs, Georgia. With enrollment of fewer than 1,000 students and a campus setting of 80 rural acres, the school is a good fit for those desiring a small Southern college atmosphere. U.S. News and World Report ranks Emmanuel as the 42nd Best Regional College in the South, according to the 2016 edition of Best Colleges. Accreditation, ranking, and affordability make Emmanuel a popular choice among small schools in the South. The school offers a BS in Sports Management that prepares students for careers in the sports industry. Students gain a solid business foundation and explore contemporary topics in kinesiology and management.
For More Information: Emmanuel College
#6 – Northwood University – Texas
Bachelor’s in Entertainment, Promotion, and Sport Management
Cedar Hill, Texas
Net Price: $14,456
Northwood University in Texas offers a unique degree program for sports and entertainment enthusiasts that combines various disciplines and interests. For students wanting to follow the career path into entertain and sport management, Northwood offers a Bachelor’s in Entertainment, Promotion, and Sport Management. Most sport management degrees focus on business principles related to the sports industry, while Northwood’s unique degree program prepares students with various skillsets to make them more marketable to the entertainment industry. Students take courses in communication, business, management, ethics, and law. Popular course topics include Financial Management, Sociology of Sport and Entertainment, and Sport and Entertainment Communications and Public Relations.
For More Information: Northwood University – Texas
#5 – University of the Southwest
Bachelor of Business Administration in Sport Management
Hobbs, New Mexico
Net Price: $14,186
The University of the Southwest is a private institution located in Hobbs, New Mexico, and dedicated to providing Christ-centered education. Low in-state tuition coupled with small class sizes make the University of the Southwest one of the most affordable small Southern colleges for a Sports Management degree. The School of Business and Professional Studies at Southwest offers a specialty in Sport Management for students who desire a degree in business but have a passion for the sports industry. Successful completion of the degree program leads to a BBA in Sport Management. U.S. News and World Report ranks the university among Tier 2 regional colleges.
For More Information: University of the Southwest
#4 – Bob Jones University
Bachelor’s in Sports Management
Greenville, South Carolina
Net Price: $13,537
Located in Greenville, South Carolina, Bob Jones University is a small and affordable Christian institution that offers various degrees and programs for students passionate about business and sports. The BS in Sports Management combines Christian philosophies, business administration, and sports theory to provide a unique degree program that leads to the Bachelor’s in Sports Management. Students participate in a required internship during their senior year. The internship allows students to work in professional sports settings while gaining 240 hours of practical and hands-on experience. Students have access to working directly with sports teams, some at the professional level. Popular courses include Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports, Sports Facilities Management, and Sports and Society.
For More Information: Bob Jones University
#3 – Brewton-Parker College
Bachelor’s in Business – Sports Management
Mount Vernon, Georgia
Net Price: $13,368
Brewton-Parker College is a private, small Southern school located in in the rural setting of Mount Vernon, Georgia. Ranked among Tier 2 regional colleges in the South, Brewton-Parker prides itself on offering various degrees and quality academics. Some of the available concentrations include Management and Health and Wellness. Under the Health and Wellness Concentration, students may focus their studies on Sports Management. The degree program takes four years to complete, although a fast-track option is available. The school boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio and affordable in-state tuition, making it one of our top picks.
For More Information: Brewton-Parker College
#2 – Tennessee Wesleyan College
BS in Sports and Fitness Management
Athens, Tennessee
Net Price: $11,182
Tennessee Wesleyan College is a private, small liberal arts college that prides itself on providing rigorous academics in an intimate and caring environment. The school maintains an enrollment of approximately 1,020 students and a low student-to-faculty ratio. Ranked #33 among the Best Regional Colleges in the South, Tennessee Wesleyan offers degree programs in various disciplines. For those interested in a career in the sports industry, the school’s Department of Exercise and Sports Sciences offers a BS in Sports and Fitness Management. Popular course topics for the Sports and Fitness Management concentration include Nutrition for Sport and Fitness, Marketing for Sports Management, and Principles of Management.
For More Information: Tennessee Wesleyan College
#1 – Elizabeth City State University
BS in Sport Management
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Net Price: $2,490
Earning a #1 spot on our list of the most affordable small Southern colleges for a Sports Management degree in 2016 is Elizabeth City State University. According to U.S. News and World Report, Elizabeth City State University is ranked #30 among the Best Regional Colleges in the South, #18 among the Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and #2 among the Top Public Schools. Students interested in a career in the sports industry may earn a BS in Sport Management degree that prepares them with the skills necessary to succeed. The program builds upon a core foundation of communication, marketing, and sports management. Extremely affordable in-state tuition earns Elizabeth City State the top spot on our list.
For More Information: Elizabeth City State University
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