Cheapest Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Minnesota

The University of Minnesota-Morris stands out as the clear budget leader for Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs in Minnesota, with a net price of just $9,110 that undercuts even other public universities by thousands. This affordability gap becomes even more striking when compared to private options like St Olaf College at $22,752 net cost. Minnesota's fitness education market reflects the state's growing healthcare sector, anchored by industry giants like Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth Group that create steady demand for health and wellness professionals. Public universities dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, with eight of the ten cheapest options being state schools. Graduate earnings span from $21,508 to $36,488, with the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities delivering the highest returns despite a moderate $17,139 net price. The Minnesota State Grant program helps bridge affordability gaps for qualifying students, making these programs even more accessible to residents pursuing careers in physical education, fitness training, and health promotion.

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

Morris achieves its $9,110 net price through strong state funding and lower operational costs as a smaller campus. The school maintains a 61.90% graduation rate while delivering solid earnings of $33,281 for graduates. Morris students benefit from the University of Minnesota system's resources without the higher costs of larger campuses.

How much can students save by choosing public over private schools for fitness education in Minnesota?

The savings are substantial, with public schools averaging around $16,000 in net costs compared to private institutions that range from $17,566 to $22,752. For example, Minnesota State University-Mankato costs $18,609 while St Olaf College runs $22,752. Over four years, this difference can save students $16,000 or more in total educational expenses.

Does the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities justify its higher cost among public options?

Twin Cities commands the highest earnings at $36,488 for Health and Physical Education graduates, significantly above the state average. The school also boasts an 84.80% graduation rate, the highest among all programs listed. With a net price of $17,139, students pay more upfront but see stronger long-term financial returns.

Where do graduates find the best job opportunities in Minnesota's fitness and health sectors?

Minnesota's healthcare industry, led by Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth Group, creates strong demand for health and fitness professionals. The Twin Cities metro area offers the most opportunities, while smaller cities like Duluth and Mankato provide community-focused positions. Graduates earn between $21,508 and $36,488 depending on their specialization and location.

Is financial aid available to help with the cost of these programs?

The Minnesota State Grant program specifically helps low-income residents afford college tuition at participating schools. Most public universities also offer institutional aid that can reduce net costs below published tuition rates. Students at schools like Southwest Minnesota State University graduate with relatively low debt loads averaging $18,000, making programs more manageable financially.

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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.