Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State's Health and Physical Education program shows promising salary progression that ultimately reaches competitive levels, despite a modest start. While first-year earnings of $32,802 trail the state median slightly—placing this program at the 40th percentile among Minnesota's 24 health and PE programs—four-year earnings jump to $44,463, representing strong 36% growth. That later-career number beats the state median and even surpasses some programs with higher first-year outcomes. Graduates carry $26,000 in debt, roughly average for the field, creating a manageable 0.79 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The real question is whether your student can navigate those leaner first couple of years. Many health and PE graduates start in lower-paying teaching positions or fitness roles before moving into coaching, program coordination, or administrative roles that pay better. The data suggests Southwest Minnesota State grads successfully make that transition. However, competition matters: Minnesota programs at Winona State and Gustavus Adolphus show substantially higher first-year earnings, meaning your child might face a tougher initial job market compared to graduates from those schools.

For families who can handle modest early earnings or who value Southwest Minnesota State's 69% admission rate and lower tuition costs, this program delivers solid returns by year four. Just plan for the financial reality of that $32,000 first-year salary when budgeting for those early post-graduation years.