Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Concordia University-Saint Paul

Concordia-Saint Paul's Health and Physical Education program lands solidly in the middle of Minnesota's competitive landscape—earning $37,275 four years out places graduates ahead of the national median but notably behind state leaders like Winona State ($41,742) and Gustavus Adolphus ($38,796). At the 60th percentile among Minnesota programs, this suggests decent performance without exceptional outcomes.

The financial picture here is straightforward: $29,156 in debt against first-year earnings of $33,744 creates a manageable 0.86 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's actually better debt positioning than 95% of similar programs nationally—a significant advantage for graduates entering a field where starting salaries rarely crack $35,000. The modest 11% earnings growth to year four is typical for education and fitness careers, where advancement often requires additional credentials or career pivots.

For a family weighing this program, the decision hinges on career goals. If your child is committed to teaching physical education or working in school athletics, Concordia offers a workable entry point with debt that won't overwhelm entry-level teaching salaries. However, if they're exploring fitness as one of several options, the $4,500 earnings gap compared to Winona State becomes meaningful over a career. The 75% admission rate and moderate debt load make this an accessible choice, just not necessarily the strongest value in Minnesota for this particular field.