Cheapest Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Iowa

University of Northern Iowa stands out dramatically among Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs, offering a net price of just $14,609 while maintaining a solid 68.90% graduation rate. This creates an $11,000 gap between the most and least expensive options, with private schools like Waldorf University reaching $21,683 despite a concerning 29% graduation rate. The earnings potential varies significantly, from Wartburg College graduates earning $25,194 to Simpson College graduates commanding $42,012 annually. Iowa's strong insurance and manufacturing sectors, anchored by employers like Principal Financial and John Deere, create unique opportunities for fitness professionals in corporate wellness programs. The state's agricultural heritage also drives demand for health education in rural communities, where physical education teachers often serve multiple schools across farming districts.

Programs

$14,609 – $30,042

Net Price Range

$33,696

Avg. Program Earnings

58.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, Iowa	$14,609	$9,728	68.9%	95.0%
2	Graceland University-Lamoni Lamoni, Iowa	$15,975	$33,220	38.3%	74.5%
3	Iowa State University Ames, Iowa	$18,165	$10,497	75.5%	90.2%
4	Buena Vista University Storm Lake, Iowa	$18,321	$40,190	47.3%	77.3%
5	Coe College Cedar Rapids, Iowa	$19,155	$52,576	59.0%
6	Clarke University Dubuque, Iowa	$20,068	$39,600	54.9%	84.8%
7	Loras College Dubuque, Iowa	$21,057	$38,298	69.9%	89.8%
8	University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa	$21,398	$10,964	73.1%	86.0%
9	Briar Cliff University Sioux City, Iowa	$21,590	$35,534	49.4%
10	Grand View University Des Moines, Iowa	$21,616	$33,450	55.8%	98.4%
11	Waldorf University Forest City, Iowa	$21,683	$25,220	29.0%	73.9%
12	William Penn University Oskaloosa, Iowa	$22,115	$28,750	29.2%	57.7%
13	Simpson College Indianola, Iowa	$22,231	$46,212	65.7%	89.1%
14	Central College Pella, Iowa	$22,353	$20,988	69.2%	79.2%
15	Wartburg College Waverly, Iowa	$22,604	$51,040	66.8%	97.5%
16	Saint Ambrose University Davenport, Iowa	$22,750	$35,598	62.8%	73.9%
17	Upper Iowa University Fayette, Iowa	$23,172	$19,000	41.5%	54.2%
18	University of Dubuque Dubuque, Iowa	$23,250	$40,065	41.1%	85.1%
19	Northwestern College Orange City, Iowa	$23,519	$35,300	63.6%	87.3%
20	Cornell College Mount Vernon, Iowa	$25,079	$50,634	71.7%	79.3%
21	Dordt University Sioux Center, Iowa	$25,383	$35,960	65.3%	87.7%
22	Luther College Decorah, Iowa	$25,635	$50,320	75.0%	75.3%
23	Drake University Des Moines, Iowa	$30,042	$49,944	77.3%	67.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa such an affordable option for fitness education?

University of Northern Iowa offers the lowest net price at $14,609 with an in-state tuition of just $9,728. The school maintains a 68.90% graduation rate and produces graduates earning $33,459 annually. Students also graduate with relatively modest debt loads of $18,750, making this program particularly attractive for budget-conscious students.

How do private college costs compare to public options in Iowa?

Private colleges charge significantly more, with schools like Coe College listing $52,576 in tuition compared to Iowa State's $10,497 in-state rate. However, the net price gap narrows considerably after financial aid, ranging from $15,975 at Graceland to $22,604 at Wartburg. Students should examine net prices rather than sticker prices when comparing options.

Does earning potential justify the higher costs at certain schools?

Simpson College graduates earn the highest salaries at $42,012, despite a net price of $22,231. Buena Vista University also produces strong earners at $39,009 with similar costs of $18,321. In contrast, Wartburg College charges $22,604 but graduates earn only $25,194, creating a poor return on investment.

What graduation rates should students expect from Iowa fitness programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically, from 29% at both Waldorf University and William Penn University to 75.50% at Iowa State University. The University of Iowa achieves 73.10% while charging a net price of $21,398. Students should carefully consider completion rates alongside costs when selecting programs.

Where do most graduates find employment in Iowa's fitness industry?

Iowa's corporate sector offers opportunities in employee wellness programs at companies like Principal Financial and John Deere. The state's 99 counties create demand for physical education teachers in rural school districts. Additionally, Iowa's aging population drives growth in fitness centers and rehabilitation facilities throughout Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport.

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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.