Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota's health and physical education program outperforms 87% of similar programs nationally—a remarkable outcome for a field where many graduates struggle to break $35,000 in their first year. At $36,050 initially, graduates earn nearly $6,000 more than the national median, while carrying slightly less debt at $23,000. However, within Minnesota, this program sits at the 60th percentile, meaning schools like Winona State and Gustavus Adolphus produce stronger first-year outcomes. Still, the trajectory here matters more than the starting point.

What separates this program is the 51% earnings jump to $54,452 by year four—growth that suggests graduates successfully transition from entry-level coaching or teaching positions into better-compensated roles. The 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable from day one, and that ratio only improves as salaries climb. For context, the typical health and phys ed graduate nationally earns just $30,554, making Minnesota's premium substantial even if it doesn't top the state rankings.

The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these numbers reflect real outcomes but could shift somewhat year to year. For families comparing options, this program delivers solid value: better-than-average earnings with below-average debt, from a well-regarded state university charging in-state tuition. If your child is choosing between Minnesota and higher-ranked in-state alternatives, visit both programs—the career support infrastructure driving that four-year earnings growth may justify the choice despite a slightly lower starting salary.