PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of psychological distress among a representative sample of college-aged students. METHODS: The National College Health Assessment survey was used to gather data for this study. The sample consisted of 559 male and female undergraduate and graduate students enrolled 2003 spring semester. The dependent variable was a psychological distress scale. The independent variables included gender, age, race, physical activity, strength training, grade average, and enrollment status. Descriptive, bi-variate, and multivariate linear regression analysis were conducted. Interactions and non-linearity were also examined between the dependent variable and the independent variables. RESULTS: Bi-variate linear regression results showed that males reported significantly higher levels of psychological distress than females. In addition, increases in both moderate/vigorous physical activity and strength training exercise resulted in a decrease in psychological distress. Minority students reported higher levels of psychological distress than white/non-Hispanic students. Multivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between gender and psychological distress, as well as significance between age and psychological distress. An increase in age was related to an increase in psychological distress. DISCUSSION: Limited evidence was found to support that higher levels of physical activity and strength training have a significant relationship with psychological distress among college students. Further research is needed in this area and should focus on understudied, younger populations.