Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Minnesota-Duluth

The 72% jump in earnings from year one to year four tells the real story here. While Minnesota-Duluth's kinesiology graduates start below the state median at around $33,000, within four years they're pulling in nearly $57,000—significantly outpacing both the typical Minnesota program (median $33,316) and the national average. This trajectory matters more than the modest starting salary, especially for a field where many graduates begin with entry-level coaching or fitness positions before moving into athletic training, corporate wellness, or education roles with better pay.

The debt picture is manageable: $23,629 represents less than nine months of fourth-year salary, and it's actually below both state and national medians for this major. Landing in the 40th percentile among Minnesota programs initially looks middling, but remember that comparison is based on first-year earnings only—the metric that matters least for this degree path. By year four, these graduates are competing effectively in the broader market while carrying less debt than peers at many competing schools.

For an 82% admission rate school charging reasonable tuition, this program delivers solid economic returns if your child can handle the patience required during those first years. The career arc here rewards commitment to the field rather than providing immediate gratification, but the math ultimately works.