Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,473
95th percentile
60th percentile in Minnesota
Median Debt
$27,000
5% above national median

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Augsburg UniversityMinneapolis$43,942$37,473—$27,0000.72
Winona State UniversityWinona$10,498$41,742$51,253$25,5500.61
Gustavus Adolphus CollegeSaint Peter$54,310$38,796$43,101$27,0000.70
Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead$10,336$38,088$40,035$22,5000.59
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis$16,488$36,050$54,452$23,0000.64
Concordia University-Saint PaulSaint Paul$25,000$33,744$37,275$29,1560.86
National Median—$30,554—$25,7570.84

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates

Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling

Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Athletes and Sports Competitors

Compete in athletic events.

$62,360/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Athletic Trainers

Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

$60,250/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Exercise Physiologists

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.

$58,160/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.

$46,180/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Coaches and Scouts

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

$45,920/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.