Cheapest Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in South Dakota

Black Hills State University offers Health and Physical Education degrees at just $17,001 net cost, making it the most affordable option among South Dakota's nine programs. The earnings gap between schools spans nearly $17,000, with Augustana graduates earning $39,009 compared to Dakota State's $22,192. South Dakota's lack of state income tax and growing healthcare sector create favorable conditions for fitness professionals, particularly as the state addresses rural health challenges through school-based wellness programs.

Programs

$17,001 – $24,723

Net Price Range

$32,493

Avg. Program Earnings

56.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Black Hills State University Spearfish, South Dakota	$17,001	$9,000	38.6%	96.6%
2	Northern State University Aberdeen, South Dakota	$17,094	$8,845	52.2%	78.1%
3	South Dakota State University Brookings, South Dakota	$18,219	$9,299	59.6%	86.1%
4	University of South Dakota Vermillion, South Dakota	$19,155	$9,432	61.4%	99.5%
5	Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell, South Dakota	$19,300	$32,890	46.4%	74.8%
6	Dakota State University Madison, South Dakota	$19,725	$9,633	49.3%	78.9%
7	University of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$20,874	$20,740	60.5%	76.0%
8	Mount Marty University Yankton, South Dakota	$23,295	$33,100	60.6%	68.4%
9	Augustana University Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$24,723	$39,190	75.6%	65.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do private colleges cost compared to public schools for fitness education?

Private schools average $22,548 in net costs while public universities average $18,239, a difference of about $4,300 annually. Dakota Wesleyan at $19,300 costs nearly the same as public University of South Dakota at $19,155, making it an outlier among private options.

What earnings can graduates expect from different South Dakota programs?

Early career earnings vary significantly, from $22,192 at Dakota State to $39,009 at Augustana University. Northern State and South Dakota State graduates earn in the mid-30s, while most programs produce starting salaries between $27,000-$34,000.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in fitness education?

Augustana shows the highest graduation rate at 75.6% but also costs $24,723, while affordable Black Hills State graduates only 38.6% of students. Mid-range schools like University of South Dakota achieve 61.4% graduation rates at $19,155 net cost.

More Health and Physical Education/Fitness Rankings

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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.