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University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers the state's most affordable Health and Physical Education program at just $10,044 net cost, delivering earnings of $32,569 that surpass several more expensive options. This value becomes even more striking when compared to private schools like Concordia University-Wisconsin at $26,067, though Concordia graduates earn the highest salaries at $37,208. Wisconsin's growing healthcare sector, anchored by major employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare, creates steady demand for fitness and wellness professionals who understand both physical therapy principles and corporate wellness program design. The state's 19 programs show dramatic cost variation, with net prices spanning from Parkside's $10,044 to Concordia's $26,067, yet earnings remain relatively compressed between $27,222 and $37,208. Public universities dominate the value equation, with UW-La Crosse combining reasonable costs at $15,374 with strong graduation rates of 71.20 percent.
19
Programs
$10,044 – $26,067
Net Price Range
$32,366
Avg. Program Earnings
59.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,044 $32,569 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
2 $15,374 $32,284 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
3 $13,726 $27,222 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
4 $16,177 $30,988 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
5 $16,928 $30,771 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
6 $16,948 $30,068 $9,277 67.6% 76.6%
7 $21,176 $34,704 $50,700 59.9% 81.3%
8 $23,341 $33,993 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%
9 $22,633 $32,563 $32,350 65.2% 72.4%
10 $26,067 $37,208 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
11 $24,813 $35,060 $36,500 60.5% 81.8%
12 $22,092 $30,409 $32,286 55.7% 99.5%
13 $24,362 $32,925 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
14 $16,722 $32,794 50.5% 89.9%
15 $24,659 $20,280 65.7% 75.1%
16 $21,315 $35,080 62.7% 93.8%
17 $14,761 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
18 $13,405 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
19 $14,754 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Wisconsin-Parkside the top value for fitness education?

UW-Parkside charges just $10,044 in net costs while graduates earn $32,569, creating an strong return on investment. The school maintains a 72.83 percent acceptance rate and keeps debt loads manageable at $20,625. Students benefit from proximity to both Milwaukee and Chicago job markets without paying premium tuition rates.

How do Wisconsin's public and private fitness programs compare financially?

Public universities average around $15,000 in net costs compared to private schools ranging from $21,000 to $26,000. However, Concordia University-Wisconsin justifies its $26,067 cost with the highest graduate earnings at $37,208. Private school graduates typically carry $26,000 to $27,000 in debt versus $20,000 to $25,000 for public university students.

Does UW-Madison offer good value despite its selective admissions?

UW-Madison accepts only 49.06 percent of applicants but delivers strong value at $16,928 net cost with graduates earning $30,771. The school boasts an strong 89.30 percent graduation rate, the highest among Wisconsin fitness programs. Students carry moderate debt of $24,000 while gaining access to extensive research facilities and alumni networks.

Where do Health and Physical Education graduates find employment in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin's healthcare sector offers numerous opportunities, with major employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare hiring wellness coordinators and corporate fitness specialists. The state's manufacturing base creates demand for occupational health professionals, while tourism and outdoor recreation industries need certified fitness instructors. Graduates earn between $27,222 and $37,208 depending on specialization and location.

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