Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Winona State University

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.