Analysis
Winona State produces outcomes that tower above most Health and Physical Education programs, but let's be clear about what that means. First-year earnings of $41,742 beat 95% of similar programs nationally and land in the 80th percentile among Minnesota schools—impressive until you realize the state's top performer (Gustavus Adolphus) only reaches $38,796. This entire field simply doesn't pay well, with the national median sitting at just $30,554. Your child will likely become a teacher, coach, or fitness professional—rewarding work that doesn't generate high income.
The debt picture is reasonable at $25,550, creating a manageable 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio, and graduates see solid 23% earnings growth to $51,253 by year four. That's real career progression in a field where many peers plateau much earlier. Among Minnesota's 24 programs, Winona State clearly prepares students effectively for PE teaching and coaching roles.
If your child is passionate about physical education and understands the financial reality—starting salaries in the low $40s with slow but steady growth—this is one of the better pathways available. The debt is manageable and the outcomes are strong relative to peers. Just ensure they're choosing this field for the right reasons, not expecting the earning potential of healthcare or business degrees.
Where Winona State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Winona State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winona State University | $41,742 | $51,253 | +23% |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth | $33,055 | $56,819 | +72% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $36,050 | $54,452 | +51% |
| University of Northwestern-St Paul | $30,176 | $53,550 | +77% |
| Bethel University | $31,919 | $51,431 | +61% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Winona State UniversityWinona | $10,498 | $41,742 | $51,253 | $25,550 | 0.61 |
 Gustavus Adolphus CollegeSaint Peter | $54,310 | $38,796 | $43,101 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
 Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead | $10,336 | $38,088 | $40,035 | $22,500 | 0.59 |
 Augsburg UniversityMinneapolis | $43,942 | $37,473 | — | $27,000 | 0.72 |
 University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis | $16,488 | $36,050 | $54,452 | $23,000 | 0.64 |
 Concordia University-Saint PaulSaint Paul | $25,000 | $33,744 | $37,275 | $29,156 | 0.86 |
| National Median | — | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Athletic Trainers
Exercise Physiologists
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Coaches and Scouts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Winona State University, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 64 graduates with reported earnings and 117 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.