Bachelor of Science [B.S] (Exercise Science)
Field of Study:
$42,724 /Yr
University of Vermont Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science is a four-year undergraduate degree offered in full-time, on-campus mode at UVM’s Burlington campus in Vermont, USA. The program accepts students in Fall and Spring intakes. International applicants need a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 or IELTS 6.5, plus prerequisite coursework in biology, mathematics through trigonometry, and chemistry. The total annual tuition for international students is US$47,173 (INR 44.93 Lakhs). This major prepares graduates for careers in sports medicine, exercise physiology, athletic training, and fitness science across healthcare, sports, and wellness sectors.
The Exercise Science program at UVM stands out for its blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience through internships at Division I athletic facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Ideal applicants are curious about human movement, interested in sports science, and motivated to help others achieve fitness and health goals. The program emphasizes individualized attention, small class sizes, and research opportunities within the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Most international students complete their degrees within four years, with pathways to graduate school or direct employment in the United States through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- Direct pathway to STEM OPT extension, allowing up to 3 years of post-graduation work in the USA after your degree completion.
- Access to NCAA Division I athletic training facilities and real-world internships in sports medicine and exercise physiology.
- Moderate cost of living in Burlington combined with merit scholarships reducing total four-year costs to as low as INR 1.45 Crore for top scholars.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2026 intake are Open. International student deadline: 8 March 2026.
WES credential evaluation for your Indian board certification takes 4-6 weeks; begin this process immediately after securing your admission offer. Most admitted international students receive visa interview appointments within 2-4 weeks of visa application.
Also Check: University of Vermont Bachelor of Science Exercise Science Admission
University of Vermont Exercise Science Tuition and Living Costs 2026
International students at UVM pay substantially higher tuition than Vermont residents. The annual cost breakdown includes tuition, mandatory fees, and college-specific program charges.
| Fee Component | Annual Cost (US$) | Annual Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | US$33,400 | INR 31.84 Lakhs |
| Mandatory University Fees | US$2,600 | INR 2.48 Lakhs |
| College of Nursing & Health Sciences Program Fee | US$1,500 | INR 1.43 Lakhs |
| Room and Board (estimated) | US$9,673 | INR 9.22 Lakhs |
| Total Annual Cost | US$47,173 | INR 44.93 Lakhs |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
- Tuition covers all classroom instruction, laboratory work, and access to campus facilities including the athletic complex and health center.
- Health insurance and personal expenses (books, supplies, clothing) typically add US$2,500 to US$3,500 annually, or INR 2.38 to INR 3.33 Lakhs per year.
- Burlington has one of the lowest cost-of-living indices among major US college towns, bringing total annual spend to approximately US$47,000 to US$50,000.
- International students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid but may qualify for university merit scholarships based on academic performance.
Cost of Living in Burlington for Exercise Science Students
Burlington is a vibrant college city on the shore of Lake Champlain. Living expenses are moderate compared to northeastern US urban areas.
| Category | Monthly Cost (US$) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus dorm (included in tuition) | Included | Included |
| Off-campus shared apartment rent (typical) | US$600-800 | INR 57,000-76,000 |
| Groceries and meals (students cook or campus meal plan) | US$300-400 | INR 28,500-38,000 |
| Local transportation (bus pass) | US$30 | INR 2,860 |
| Personal care and entertainment | US$150-200 | INR 14,300-19,000 |
| Total Monthly (off-campus estimate) | US$1,080-1,430 | INR 1.03 to 1.36 Lakhs |
ROI Reality: Most Exercise Science graduates from UVM secure positions within 3-6 months of graduation, earning US$38,000 to US$45,000 (INR 36.18 to INR 42.83 Lakhs) as personal trainers, clinical exercise physiologists, or athletic trainers. Four-year total cost of approximately INR 1.80 Crore is recovered within 4-5 years of career start.
University of Vermont Exercise Science Admission 2026
UVM’s Exercise Science program admits students for Fall and Spring intakes. The program is competitive, with selectivity comparable to the university’s overall acceptance rate of approximately 65-70% for undergraduate applicants.
Academic requirements are consistent across both intake cycles. International applicants must meet the same English proficiency standards as domestic out-of-state students.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| High School GPA (unweighted) | Minimum 3.2 GPA; competitive range 3.5-3.8 for international applicants |
| Standardized tests | SAT or ACT required; competitive SAT range 1200-1350 (out of 1600) |
| Biology | One year with laboratory; grade of B or higher recommended |
| Chemistry | One year with laboratory; grade of B or higher recommended |
| Mathematics | Through trigonometry or precalculus minimum; calculus preferred |
| Physics (Recommended) | One year strengthens application; not mandatory |
University of Vermont’s main campus in Burlington holds a U.S. News ranking of 104 among national universities and is recognized for undergraduate research and health sciences programs. The university attracts approximately 11,000 undergraduate students across 100+ majors.
English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements
All international students must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the accepted tests listed below. Scores must be official and sent directly from the testing agency.
- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score 80 out of 120; no individual section minimum, but balanced scores across reading, writing, listening, and speaking are preferred.
- IELTS Academic: minimum overall band score 6.5 out of 9.0; send results directly to UVM Office of Admissions, 194 South Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05401.
- Students with TOEFL scores between 80-89 must enroll in ENGL 1001, a bridging course for non-native English speakers; this does not delay degree completion as it counts toward general education credits.
- Waiver possibility: three or more years of schooling with English-medium instruction in the USA or Commonwealth countries may allow discretionary waiver; contact admissions to inquire.
Tip for Indian Students: Most Indian students score 85-95 on TOEFL iBT when taking the exam 6-8 weeks after target date decision; budget 3-4 months for preparation. IELTS is less common for US university admissions but accepted here. WES credential evaluation for your board certificate is mandatory and adds 4-6 weeks to the admission verification timeline.
University of Vermont Exercise Science Application 2026
UVM uses the Common Application for first-year admission. International applicants follow the same process as domestic applicants with additional documentation requirements for English proficiency and credentials evaluation.
| Intake | Application Deadline | Decision Notification | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | 8 March 2026 | Expected April 2026 | Closed |
| Spring 2027 | Expected 1 November 2026 | Expected December 2026 | Expected |
| Fall 2027 | Expected 8 March 2027 | Expected April 2027 | Expected |
Complete applications include high school transcripts, official test scores (SAT/ACT and TOEFL/IELTS), a personal essay, and at least one letter of recommendation from a science teacher.
International students must submit a completed Declaration and Certification of Finances (I-20 form requirement) confirming funding sources before visa documents are released.
Application Tip: Schedule your TOEFL or IELTS exam at least 8 weeks before the deadline to allow time for score delivery to UVM. Request official transcripts from your school immediately upon deciding to apply; Indian board transcripts require 2-3 weeks for processing and mailing. Begin the WES evaluation process as soon as you receive your board result to avoid delays in verification.
University of Vermont Exercise Science Scholarships 2026
UVM awards merit-based scholarships to admitted international students without requiring a separate application. Scholarships are allocated based solely on academic credentials evaluated at admission review.
Undergraduate merit scholarships cover tuition and fees only; they do not include living expenses. Scholarship awards are renewable for four years if the student maintains satisfactory academic standing (minimum 2.0 GPA).
| Scholarship Type | Annual Award (US$) | Annual Award (INR) | Four-Year Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | US$20,000-25,000 | INR 19.04-23.80 Lakhs | INR 76.16-95.20 Lakhs |
| Trustees Scholarship | US$10,000-15,000 | INR 9.52-14.28 Lakhs | INR 38.08-57.12 Lakhs |
| Bridge to Vermont Scholarship | US$5,000-10,000 | INR 4.76-9.52 Lakhs | INR 19.04-38.08 Lakhs |
With a Presidential Scholarship, your four-year cost reduces from INR 1.80 Crore to approximately INR 1.61 Crore after accounting for the scholarship total.
Additional funding sources available to international students include graduate assistantships (if pursuing a dual degree after the B.S.), payment plans, and private education loans from international lenders. Check with Student Financial Services for details on external scholarship databases targeting Indian students.
Scholarship Reality: Approximately 25-35% of admitted international Exercise Science students receive merit scholarships. Top tier awards (Presidential) typically go to applicants with GPA above 3.7 and SAT above 1350. Trustees awards are more common and offset 20-30% of annual costs. Plan your funding around receiving a Trustees-level award rather than Presidential, then treat any higher award as a bonus.
University of Vermont Exercise Science Salary and Placements 2026
UVM Exercise Science graduates work across diverse healthcare, sports, and wellness sectors. Job placement occurs quickly post-graduation because demand for qualified exercise professionals remains consistently strong.
| Career Role | Entry-Level Salary (US$) | Entry-Level Salary (INR) | 5-Year Salary (US$) | 5-Year Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Trainer / Fitness Specialist | US$35,000-42,000 | INR 33.33-40.00 Lakhs | US$50,000-60,000 | INR 47.61-57.13 Lakhs |
| Clinical Exercise Physiologist | US$42,000-50,000 | INR 40.00-47.61 Lakhs | US$58,000-70,000 | INR 55.22-66.65 Lakhs |
| Athletic Trainer (with additional certification) | US$38,000-48,000 | INR 36.18-45.74 Lakhs | US$55,000-65,000 | INR 52.39-61.89 Lakhs |
| Sports Performance Coach | US$40,000-50,000 | INR 38.08-47.61 Lakhs | US$60,000-75,000 | INR 57.13-71.41 Lakhs |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2026; Research.com Salary Surveys 2026
Entry-level salaries typically range from US$38,000 to US$48,000 (INR 36.18 to INR 45.74 Lakhs) depending on location, certifications held, and employer type. After 5 years, salaries typically rise to US$55,000 to US$70,000 (INR 52.39 to INR 66.65 Lakhs) as you advance into supervisory or clinical specialist roles.
Federal and state income taxes reduce take-home pay. Most graduates pay approximately 15-22% in combined federal, state, and FICA taxes, resulting in take-home of approximately US$30,000 to US$40,000 (INR 28.56 to INR 38.08 Lakhs) in year one. Use the IRS Tax Calculator at irs.gov to estimate exact tax liability once you secure an employment offer.
ROI Honest Take: Four-year degree cost of INR 1.80 Crore is repaid from post-tax earnings within 5-6 years if you secure a clinical physiologist or athletic trainer role. Personal trainer roles take 7-8 years to break even due to lower entry salary. Pursue additional certifications (CPR, ACE Personal Training, NASM) immediately after graduation to boost earning potential by 10-15%.
USA Visa Pathway for Exercise Science Students
International students pursuing the B.S. in Exercise Science at UVM will obtain an F-1 Student Visa. This visa category allows full-time study and limited on-campus employment while maintaining valid status.
- F-1 visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during academic terms and full-time during breaks, helping offset living costs while building professional experience.
- Post-graduation, Exercise Science qualifies as a STEM field, granting graduates access to up to 3 years of Optional Practical Training (OPT). This extends your legal right to work in the USA beyond your visa expiration.
- H-1B sponsorship becomes available after OPT, allowing employers to petition for a work visa; Exercise Science and related clinical roles qualify under "specialty occupation" definitions.
- Green Card (permanent residence) pathways typically require 5-10 years of cumulative work experience, employer sponsorship, and labor certification; many UVM Exercise Science graduates pursue this route within 10 years of graduation.
Visa Reality: F-1 status is straightforward for Exercise Science students because the discipline is STEM-recognized. Maintain valid passport and visa documentation at all times. Register with SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) within 7 days of arrival; your UVM International Office handles this. The OPT extension means you can earn and gain experience in your field for 3 additional years after graduation before pursuing permanent residence.
University of Vermont Exercise Science Ranking 2026
UVM’s Exercise Science and Sports Science programs are not individually ranked by QS, THE, FT, ARWU, or US News. The university itself holds a ranking of 104 among US national universities according to U.S. News & World Report 2026.
The College of Nursing and Health Sciences, which houses the Exercise Science program, is recognized regionally for strong undergraduate research and clinical partnerships. Exercise Science graduates have published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national conferences, providing research experience beyond typical undergraduate curricula.
Key Insight: Lack of subject-specific ranking does not diminish program quality. Employers value Exercise Science graduates from UVM for their hands-on experience, internship network, and understanding of applied biomechanics. The university’s consistent national ranking of ~104 places it solidly in the top third of US universities, and Exercise Science alumni networks support job placement and salary competitiveness with programs at higher-ranked institutions.
Choosing to study Exercise Science at UVM offers you a well-rounded education that blends academic rigor with practical application in sports medicine, clinical settings, and fitness industries. The program is particularly suited for students who value individualized mentoring, hands-on experience through internships, and a clear pathway to employment or graduate school. Your four-year investment positions you for a sustainable career in a growing field, with the added advantage of three years of post-graduation work authorization in the USA through STEM OPT.
Exercise Science at UVM FAQs
Ques. Can I pursue Exercise Science at UVM if I haven’t taken physics in high school?
Ans. Physics is strongly recommended but not mandatory. If you have not taken physics, you must complete a foundational physics course during your first year at UVM (typically Physics 051 or 053). This adds one course to your first-year schedule but does not delay degree completion because it counts toward general education requirements.
Ques. Does UVM offer graduate assistantships that cover tuition for international Exercise Science students?
Ans. Graduate assistantships are available only for master’s-level students, not undergraduates. However, some undergraduate research positions provide hourly pay and research experience. Contact the College of Nursing and Health Sciences directly to inquire about undergraduate research assistant opportunities in Exercise Science labs.
Ques. What is the pass rate for Athletic Training certification exams among UVM Exercise Science graduates?
Ans. UVM does not offer a dedicated Athletic Training degree, but Exercise Science graduates frequently pursue Athletic Training Master’s degrees at other universities. UVM’s Exercise Science program prepares you well for Athletic Training prerequisites. The Board of Certification Athletic Training exam pass rate across US programs averages 70-75%; specific rates for UVM graduates are not published but historical placement rates suggest strong preparation.
Ques. After graduation, how quickly can I start working as an exercise physiologist in a hospital while on OPT?
Ans. Most hospital and clinical exercise physiology positions require certification (such as CEPA or ACSM credentials). You can begin work immediately upon graduation while studying for certification exams; certification typically requires 3-6 months of preparation. Your employer often covers certification costs and allows paid study time. OPT authorization is available immediately after graduation without additional visa processing, making the transition seamless.
Ques. Can I work as a personal trainer off-campus while studying, and will that help me after graduation?
Ans. F-1 visa rules restrict off-campus employment during the academic year unless you obtain prior authorization from the International Office. On-campus employment (campus recreation center, fitness programs) is allowed up to 20 hours weekly. After graduation during OPT, you can work anywhere, including private gyms and fitness studios. Building a client base as a personal trainer during your later years can accelerate your post-graduation income if you plan to specialize in that field.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $42724 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Books and supply | $1320 |
| Total Cost | $1320 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $41280 |
| 2022 | $41280 |
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,500/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 3,500/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |



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