Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Minnesota

The University of Minnesota-Morris stands out among Minnesota's Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs with an strong net price of just $9,110 while producing graduates earning $33,281 annually. This represents one of the strongest value propositions in the state, where programs range from $9,110 to $28,439 in net costs. Minnesota's health sector offers strong career prospects with Mayo Clinic, UnitedHealth Group, and numerous healthcare systems driving demand for fitness and wellness professionals. Public universities dominate the value rankings, with four of the top five spots occupied by Minnesota State institutions. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans nearly $9,000, from $27,476 at Augsburg University to $36,488 at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Private colleges like St. Olaf and Gustavus Adolphus command premium prices exceeding $22,000 in net costs but show mixed returns on investment. The state's Minnesota State Grant program helps reduce barriers for low-income students pursuing these health-focused careers in a region where wellness and healthcare continue expanding.

Programs

$9,110 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$30,331

Avg. Program Earnings

61.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Minnesota-Morris Morris, Minnesota	$9,110	$33,281	$14,288	61.9%	77.7%
2	University of Minnesota-Crookston Crookston, Minnesota	$10,874	$30,771	$13,120	49.7%	57.2%
3	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$36,488	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
4	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$35,060	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
5	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$29,685	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
6	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$33,410	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
7	Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$17,566	$31,133	$25,000	58.8%	69.1%
8	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$32,569	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
9	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$30,926	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
10	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$30,771	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
11	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563	$29,685	$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
12	St Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota	$22,752	$27,669	$56,970	83.5%	56.4%
13	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$27,476	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
14	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$30,409	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
15	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$28,055	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
16	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$26,739	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
17	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$21,508	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
18	North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,574		$29,460	63.6%	90.8%
19	University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$25,140		$36,830	68.4%	92.5%
20	Oak Hills Christian College Bemidji, Minnesota	$24,674		$18,910	30.8%
21	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485		$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
22	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034		$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
23	Crown College Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota	$27,324		$30,200	64.3%	66.6%
24	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525		$52,284	75.2%	77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Minnesota-Morris the best value for Health and Physical Education?

Morris combines the lowest net price in the state at $9,110 with solid graduate earnings of $33,281, creating an outstanding return on investment. The 61.90% graduation rate exceeds many comparable programs while maintaining a reasonable 77.66% acceptance rate. Students benefit from the University of Minnesota system's reputation and resources while paying significantly less than other campuses.

How do public versus private college costs compare for this major in Minnesota?

Public universities average around $15,000 in net costs while private colleges range from $17,566 to $28,439. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers the highest earnings at $36,488 for just $17,139 in net costs. Private institutions like Bethel University charge $28,439 but produce graduates earning only $30,409, making the value proposition questionable.

Is the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities worth the higher cost compared to other state schools?

Twin Cities justifies its $17,139 net price with the highest graduate earnings at $36,488 and an impressive 84.80% graduation rate. The earning premium of roughly $3,000-6,000 over other state universities can offset the additional costs. The Minneapolis location also provides better internship and job opportunities in Minnesota's healthcare center.

Does Minnesota's job market support Health and Physical Education graduates?

Minnesota's healthcare sector, anchored by Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth Group, creates strong demand for wellness professionals. Graduate earnings ranging from $27,476 to $36,488 reflect this market strength. The state's focus on preventive care and corporate wellness programs provides varied career paths beyond traditional teaching roles.

What role does the Minnesota State Grant play in program affordability?

The Minnesota State Grant significantly reduces costs for low-income students at public universities, helping explain the low net prices at schools like Morris and Crookston. In-state tuition at Southwest Minnesota State University runs only $10,304, with net prices often below $15,000 after aid. This makes Minnesota one of the more affordable states for pursuing Health and Physical Education degrees.

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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.