United States Sports University

The United States Sports University (USSU), formerly the United States Sports Academy, is a private nonprofit institution in Daphne, Alabama, devoted to higher education in sport. The university began in 1972 and moved to its permanent Daphne home in 1983; its board approved the current name in 2025. That change explains why older directories, reviews and academic records may still use “Academy.” USSU is a specialized choice for people aiming at careers in sports coaching, exercise science, sport leadership, sport management or sport business—not a general university with unrelated majors. It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); its sports-management programs also hold program accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Sports-focused degrees

Undergraduate options include sports coaching, exercise science, sports management, sport leadership and business administration. Graduate students can pursue an MBA or executive MBA in sports management, master’s degrees in exercise science, sports coaching, sports management, sport leadership or sport psychology, and an Ed.D. in sports management. The university describes both on-campus and online study at the bachelor’s level; its master’s and doctoral degrees are online, with no residency requirement. Course pace and delivery vary, so students balancing work or coaching should confirm the term calendar, synchronous requirements, internship expectations and transfer-credit evaluation before enrolling. See the degree directory for the complete program list and course details.

Campus, visitors and public feedback

The main campus is at One Academy Drive, Daphne, AL 36526. The university’s main number is 251-626-3303; the toll-free number is 800-223-2668. Google Maps lists weekday hours of 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and closes Saturday and Sunday. Call ahead to schedule a campus visit or speak with admissions, since office availability may differ from the general listing.

Public reviews for the campus listing are limited and appear to come largely from visitors rather than students. Those comments describe the sports-art collection, sculptures and grounds as an interesting stop; they do not give a substantial basis for judging instruction, advising or online student support. For those questions, request a conversation with faculty and current students in your intended program, and ask about completion, placement and certification outcomes relevant to your career.

Tuition and scholarship options

USSU’s published tuition schedule lists $650 per credit hour for bachelor’s courses, $640 for master’s courses and $760 for doctoral courses. A technology fee of $100 applies each semester to full-time undergraduates, with a one-time $45 assessment fee. The university says courses run in eight- or sixteen-week terms, allows payment plans and notes a 3% processing fee for credit-card payments. Total cost therefore depends on credits, pace, fees and aid; request an individualized estimate before committing. Check the current tuition and financial-aid schedule because the board sets rates for each academic year.

Several scholarships can reduce tuition for qualifying students. The undergraduate Dean’s Scholarship covers 40% of tuition for eligible incoming students with at least a 3.5 GPA and a required essay; the Cronan Scholars award covers 30% for incoming students majoring in sports coaching or exercise science who meet its academic and essay requirements. The Pat Summitt Scholar Athlete award offers eligible incoming women athletes a renewable full-tuition award, while the graduate Dean’s Scholarship covers 20% for qualifying students. Awards generally apply after federal and state aid, have renewal conditions and require an application by the posted deadline. Review the scholarship descriptions for the student’s degree level and entry term.

Admissions and next steps

Admission routes differ by degree: bachelor’s applicants need a high-school credential or transfer record; master’s applicants need a bachelor’s degree; doctoral applicants are expected to hold a relevant master’s degree and have professional experience in sport. The university also accepts non-degree applicants for individual courses. Start an inquiry or application through the USSU admissions page or request information online; admissions can be reached by phone at 251-626-3303. Main campus: One Academy Drive, Daphne, AL 36526. Official accounts: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.