Significance: Human papilloma virus (HPV) has been causally related to cervical cancer cases worldwide. In the United States, HPV cases have become epidemic among college females aged 15 to 29. Although there has been a preponderance of sexual health information, rates of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections still increase. The purpose of this study was to assess college-age females' knowledge of HPV and practice of protective sexual behaviors. Design: This study surveyed 306 college-aged females, ages 18 through 32, from a Midwestern university. A 52-item instrument was developed to assess knowledge, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, and protective sexual behaviors regarding HPV and cervical cancer. Stability reliability for the questionnaire was established via a convenience sample of university students (N = 10) and yielded the following Pearson correlation coefficients: knowledge = .90, perceived susceptibility and severity = .95, and preventive sexual behaviors = .90. Internal consistency reliability was also established a priori, yielding a Chronbach alpha > .85. Procedures: Following approval from the Institutional Review Board, surveys were distributed to students in physical activity, health, and education courses during regularly scheduled class times. Students were informed of the study purpose, voluntary nature of the study, and assured that all responses would be kept anonymous and confidential. To further ensure confidentiality, students deposited completed surveys in a box near the exit of the room. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Results indicated that although females demonstrated adequate to high knowledge levels of HPV, their self-reported behaviors did not indicate a high level of protective behavior. This study demonstrated that knowledge alone is not sufficient to enhance behavioral protection (e.g. protected sexual intercourse, regular Pap tests, number of sexual partners within the last year). More specifically, knowledge was not significantly correlated with protective behaviors associated with the enhancement of sexual health. The results of this study indicate a need for Health Education programs to further promote protective sexual behaviors. Target areas for future health education efforts include an increased focus on addressing barriers to preventive sexual behaviors and increasing individual self-efficacy about communication in sexual relationships.