Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Bemidji State University

Bemidji State's health and physical education program produces graduates earning $32,388 in their first year—slightly below Minnesota's median for the field but above the national average. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably year to year, but the pattern shows modest, steady growth to nearly $37,000 by year four. That's a respectable 14% increase, though it still trails what graduates from Winona State or Gustavus Adolphus typically earn right out of the gate.

The debt burden of $24,898 is manageable relative to first-year earnings, creating a debt-to-income ratio of 0.77. For a field where starting salaries rarely break $40,000, keeping debt under $25,000 matters. Students here graduate with slightly less debt than the state average, which helps offset the below-median Minnesota earnings. If your child is passionate about coaching, teaching PE, or fitness instruction, this program won't saddle them with crushing payments—but they should understand the income ceiling that comes with the profession.

The real question is fit: Bemidji's 71% admission rate and affordable debt load make it accessible, but stronger students might consider programs like Winona State that consistently produce higher earners. For a motivated student who wants to stay in Minnesota without breaking the bank, this is a viable path into a field they love—just not the highest-earning option available.