Analysis
Augsburg delivers earnings that beat 95% of Health and Physical Education programs nationally, yet this is only middle-of-the-pack performance in Minnesota—a state with unusually strong outcomes in this field. While $37,473 puts graduates nearly $7,000 ahead of the typical program nationwide, three Minnesota schools push past $38,000, and Winona State reaches above $41,000. The reality is that Minnesota's fitness and PE job market appears stronger than most states, so Augsburg's impressive national ranking matters less than its 60th percentile position within the state.
The financial picture itself looks manageable. With $27,000 in debt—only $2,000 above the state median—graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72, which is reasonable for an education-adjacent field where starting salaries typically lag other bachelor's degrees. More than half of Augsburg students receive Pell grants, suggesting the institution serves students who need financing, yet the debt load remains controlled compared to peer programs.
For Minnesota families, this comes down to fit and location. Augsburg delivers solid results in Minneapolis—clearly better than the national landscape suggests this field typically offers. But if your student has admission options at Winona State, Gustavus Adolphus, or Minnesota State Moorhead, those programs show higher early earnings. Augsburg works as a reliable choice for launching a fitness or PE career, just not the value leader within the state.
Where Augsburg University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Augsburg University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,942 | $37,473 | — | $27,000 | 0.72 | |
| $10,498 | $41,742 | $51,253 | $25,550 | 0.61 | |
| $54,310 | $38,796 | $43,101 | $27,000 | 0.70 | |
| $10,336 | $38,088 | $40,035 | $22,500 | 0.59 | |
| $16,488 | $36,050 | $54,452 | $23,000 | 0.64 | |
| $25,000 | $33,744 | $37,275 | $29,156 | 0.86 | |
| National Median | — | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Athletic Trainers
Exercise Physiologists
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Coaches and Scouts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Augsburg University, approximately 52% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.