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Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Michigan

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor delivers strong value for Health and Physical Education students, producing graduates who earn $42,495 annually while maintaining a net price of just $14,832. This earnings figure stands nearly $7,000 above the next highest-earning program at Concordia University Ann Arbor. Michigan's growing healthcare sector, which employs over 650,000 residents, creates strong demand for fitness professionals and health educators across hospital systems, corporate wellness programs, and community health centers. The state's 20 programs show a notable earnings gap, with graduates from top-tier schools earning nearly double those from lower-ranked institutions. Public universities dominate the value equation, with 9 of the 10 most affordable programs coming from state schools. Eastern Michigan University offers particularly strong value with a $17,084 net price and $35,416 graduate earnings, while Central Michigan University provides the lowest in-state tuition at $14,190. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship adds up to $5,500 in aid for qualifying residents, making these already affordable programs even more accessible.
29
Programs
$13,584 – $28,458
Net Price Range
$31,017
Avg. Program Earnings
60.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,832 $42,495 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
2 $15,729 $35,060 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
3 $17,084 $35,416 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
4 $16,882 $33,993 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%
5 $16,041 $30,891 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
6 $18,902 $33,993 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
7 $19,988 $32,711 $23,324 49.5% 98.9%
8 $18,701 $30,363 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
9 $14,582 $23,284 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
10 $17,485 $26,739 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
11 $21,504 $30,554 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
12 $26,409 $37,208 $34,200 50.0% 70.2%
13 $20,751 $28,312 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
14 $26,429 $35,594 $33,000 61.1% 79.7%
15 $21,158 $28,381 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
16 $24,783 $31,852 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
17 $22,384 $25,774 $29,100 61.6% 81.8%
18 $20,899 $21,508 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
19 $25,749 $25,194 $40,420 82.3% 80.5%
20 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
21 $19,245 $27,938 41.4% 71.4%
22 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
23 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
24 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
25 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
26 $28,458 $26,390 53.6% 75.7%
27 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
28 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
29 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $21,000 earnings difference between top and bottom programs?

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn $42,495 compared to $21,508 at Saginaw Valley State University, reflecting differences in program quality, alumni networks, and career services. Michigan's flagship university attracts top employers and provides extensive internship opportunities with major health systems like Michigan Medicine and Henry Ford Health. The 93.20% graduation rate at Michigan also indicates stronger student support and program completion, leading to better job placement outcomes.

How do Michigan's public universities compare for fitness program value?

Public schools offer the best combination of low costs and solid earnings in Michigan's fitness programs. Eastern Michigan University delivers the strongest public value with $35,416 graduate earnings and a $17,084 net price, while Central Michigan University offers the lowest in-state tuition at $14,190. Michigan Technological University surprises with $35,060 graduate earnings despite its northern location, benefiting from strong alumni connections in healthcare and corporate wellness sectors.

Is private education worth the extra cost for fitness majors?

Most private schools struggle to justify their higher costs for fitness programs in Michigan. Albion College charges a $55,746 sticker price but nets down to $16,882, producing graduates earning $33,993. Concordia University Ann Arbor represents the exception, with graduates earning $37,208 despite a $26,409 net price, likely due to strong connections with Michigan's expanding healthcare industry and corporate wellness programs.

Does graduation rate impact earnings potential in these programs?

Schools with higher graduation rates generally produce better-earning graduates in Michigan's fitness programs. University of Michigan's 93.20% graduation rate corresponds with the highest earnings at $42,495, while Michigan State's 82.20% rate supports solid $28,312 graduate earnings. However, Eastern Michigan breaks this pattern with a 45.50% graduation rate yet strong $35,416 earnings, suggesting effective career placement services for students who complete the program.

Where do Michigan fitness graduates find the best job opportunities?

Michigan's major metropolitan areas offer the strongest employment prospects for fitness professionals, particularly Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor. The state's healthcare sector employs over 650,000 people, with major systems like Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health expanding wellness programs. Corporate wellness initiatives at automotive companies like Ford and General Motors create additional opportunities, while the growing senior population drives demand for therapeutic recreation and adaptive fitness specialists.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.