Skip to content

Take Career Assessment

Here
LIONEL UNIVERSITY • Getting started

How to Get Started

Applying for school is a big decision and can feel overwhelming, which is why we work to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible.

*By clicking “Start Your Application,” I agree to receive emails, phone calls, and SMS/text messages from Lionel University at the numbers I provide, including communications made using automated technology or prerecorded voice messages. Consent is not required to purchase services. You may also call Lionel University at 1-800-650-4772.

Admissions Process

What to Expect When Applying to Lionel

From getting your questions answered to submitting transcripts and financial aid information, our team is here to help you through each step.

Step 1

Get All of Your Questions Answered

Our Admissions & Recruitment Specialists are here to answer your questions and make sure you have the information you need to make an informed decision. Our advisors are not salespeople, do not work on commission, and there is no sales pitch or obligation to enroll.

Email your questions to admissions@lionel.edu or connect with our team to determine whether a Lionel University degree is right for you.

Step 2

Apply to Lionel

Once you're ready, complete our online program application. The application is designed to be straightforward and does not require SAT or ACT scores. Have a photo ID and proof of high school graduation or equivalent available.

See Upcoming Class Start Dates
Step 3

Apply for Federal Student Aid

After applying to Lionel, eligible students can complete the FAFSA to apply for federal student aid. Lionel University's federal school code is 042434.

For financial aid questions, call 1-800-650-4772 or email financial-aid@lionel.edu .

Step 4

Send Your Transcripts & Certifications

After applying, you can request an evaluation of eligible college coursework, military training, and qualifying professional certifications for possible transfer credit.

Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution through an approved secure electronic delivery service or mailed in the institution's sealed envelope.

Electronic Transcripts:
registrar@lionel.edu

Mail:
Lionel University
Office of the Registrar
PO Box 190
Carpinteria, CA 93014

Once your application and required documentation are received, Lionel University can complete your degree audit and determine which eligible credits may transfer into your program.

Virtual Tour

Explore Your Future at Lionel University

Welcome to your personalized Virtual Tour — a guided experience designed to give you everything you need to confidently move forward.

Inside, you'll discover:

What makes Lionel unique and our history of leadership in online fitness education
Your personalized path, program options, and tuition plans
What learning looks like at Lionel and the career outcomes you can pursue

Complete the student intake and explore the journey ahead — we're here to support you every step of the way.

Start Your Virtual Tour

SUPPORT & GUIDANCE

Need More Help?

Our team is here to answer your questions and help you navigate admissions, financial aid, programs, and your next steps at Lionel University.

🎓

Federal Student Aid and Financial Assistance Is Available!

Learn More
🇺🇸

Benefits Are Available for Service Members and Their Families!

Learn More

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

Download Our Degree Guide

Our programs are 100% online and flexible to fit your schedule. Download our comprehensive Degree Guide to explore your options and determine whether a degree from Lionel University is right for you.

Download our degree guide

Lionel Students Are:

Fitness Sales Advisor (1)

Working While Learning

  • 86% of students are employed while enrolled, with a majority working 30+ hours per week

  • Most students are balancing full-time work, family, and school — a powerful testament to Lionel’s flexible, stackable program design

  • Despite demanding schedules, student satisfaction remains high

Copy of Student 3

Consistently Engaged, Fully Invested

  • 80%+ of students log in 3–6 days per week, showing strong commitment and consistent engagement

  • 90%+ plan to continue to the next term, demonstrating exceptional retention and satisfaction

  • New graduate and certificate programs are earn high marks building confidence and sustained growth
Student 2 (1)

Satisfied — and Ready for What’s Next

  • 98% of students said they are satisfied with their studies at Lionel

  • 94–95% would recommend their course to a friend

  • 90%+ achieved the learning goals they set at the beginning of the course

Student 3

Mentored by Industry Leaders

  • Instructors scored 4.6–4.8 out of 5 on average across all categories

  • Top-rated traits: respect for students, prompt grading, and helpful feedback

  • Nearly every student felt valued and supported by their instructors

Transform Your Skills.
Expand Your Opportunities.
Shape Your Career.

Stackable education built for real-world success. Discover the certifications and stackable pathways that help fitness professionals grow their skills, expand their impact, and advance toward long-term education and career goals. 

CPT THUMBNAIL (1.802 x 2.375 in) (1)

Certified Personal Trainer

Begin with CPT to build foundational coaching and exercise science skills. This pathway serves as the launch point into strength training, performance, and entry-level degree credit.

Science of Nutrition

Foundations of Nutrition Science

Start with core nutrition education that prepares you for advanced nutrition specialist programs and degree-level coursework in health promotion and wellness.

Corrective Exercise Specialist

Corrective Exercise Specialist

Build the ability to assess movement patterns and design programs that improve function and reduce risk. This pathway supports roles in recovery-focused coaching and connects to clinical exercise science study.

Thumbmail FITNESS SALES SPECIALIST - BILLBOARD (279 x 173 px) (2-906 x 1-802 in) (1-802 x 2-906 in)

Fitness Sales
Specialist

Develop communication, leadership, and business skills essential for guiding gym operations and client engagement. This pathway prepares you for supervisory roles and aligns with fitness management degree tracks.

Facility Management

Facility Management Specialist

Learn core operations, safety, and service principles needed to manage modern fitness environments. This pathway supports leadership advancement and aligns with managerial degree pathways.

Behavior Based Coaching

Behavior-Based Coaching Specialist

Build communication and behavior-change techniques that help clients create sustainable, long-term progress. This pathway complements coaching roles and connects to leadership or psychology coursework.

Blood & Bio Spec-1

Blood & Biomarker Specialist

Learn to interpret key biomarkers that influence training, recovery, and long-term wellness goals. This pathway supports advanced work in performance optimization and future study in human physiology.

Linkedin (1.802 x 2.375 in)

LinkedIn Networking
Specialist

Enhance your professional presence and networking strategy to attract clients and career opportunities. This pathway supports job placement readiness and aligns with degree-level professional development tracks.

Launch Yourself (1.802 x 2.375 in)

Influencer Marketing: Launch You

Learn to create content, grow audiences, and build authentic partnerships in the wellness space. This pathway expands digital career opportunities and pairs well with coaching and nutrition programs.

Entrepreneur Tool Kit

Entrepreneurship
Toolkit

Develop essential business skills to launch, market, and operate a fitness or wellness brand. This pathway supports independent professionals and integrates with business or leadership-focused coursework.