While the Transtheoretical Model has been applied to physical activity in a number of populations, little research has focused on the utilization of this model in a college student population. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of stage-matched targeted newsletters in promoting physical activity in college students. Subjects (n=857) completed the Stages of Change Questionnaire (SCQ) for physical activity at pretest and ten weeks. Participants were divided into one control and two treatment groups. Treatment Group A (n=297) were mailed a weekly newsletter for ten weeks that contained information tailored to the stage subjects were in at pretest determined by the SCQ. All subjects in Treatment Group B (n=288) were mailed three traditional action-oriented brochures published by the American Heart Association promoting physical activity. The Control Group (n=272) received weekly newsletters containing general health information with no reference to physical activity. Chi square analysis indicated a significant association (x2=27.39, p<.002) between the number of stage changes, within the Stages of Change Model, and groups at posttest. Group A demonstrated the most positive results with 39% of participants moving to an advanced stage within the model, while 53% displayed no change and 8% relapsed to an earlier stage. Group B showed 9% of subjects to advance a stage, while 85% displayed no change and 6% relapsed. The Control Group had 5% of subjects advance a stage within the model, while 87% remained unchanged and 8% relapsed. Results of this investigation support the effectiveness of applying the Transtheoretical Model for this population. Tailored messages, that are stage-specific within the model, appear to be a cost-efficient and effective strategy to promote physical activity in first-year college students.Keyword(s): college level issues, physical activity