Wayne State College earned the No. 1 ranking in Nebraska and was ranked No. 12 in the Plains States for Physical Education Teaching & Coaching in College Factual’s 2026 rankings.
Wayne State College has again been recognized among the region’s top schools for preparing physical education teachers, earning the No. 1 ranking in Nebraska on College Factual’s 2026 list of Best Physical Education Teaching & Coaching Schools.
Wayne State also ranked No. 12 among the 23 schools featured in College Factual’s Plains States regional ranking. College Factual evaluates programs using factors including graduation rates, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawing primarily from data reported through the U.S. Department of Education.
The 2026 recognition follows another strong showing for Wayne State’s Physical Education program in College Factual’s 2025 rankings, when the college also ranked No. 1 in Nebraska and earned the No. 5 position in the Plains States.
Wayne State offers Physical Education subject endorsements for students preparing to teach at the PK-6 or 7-12 level. The program combines education coursework with study in areas such as anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor development, fitness, instructional methods, classroom management, and adapted physical education.
Students gain classroom experience throughout the educator preparation program through field experiences embedded in their coursework, followed by a semester of clinical practice, or student teaching. Wayne State also offers the Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA), which allows eligible students to gain additional classroom experience as paid substitute teachers while completing their degrees.
Through this combination of academic preparation and hands-on experience, graduates are prepared to pursue teacher certification and careers helping students develop the skills, knowledge, and habits that support lifelong physical activity and wellness.
Learn more about Wayne State College’s Physical Education degree program.