Cheapest Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's public universities make Health and Physical Education degrees remarkably affordable, with the University of Wisconsin-Parkside offering the lowest net cost at just $10,044 annually. The $16,023 gap between the cheapest public option and most expensive program at $26,067 reflects the state's commitment to accessible fitness education. UW-La Crosse stands out with a 71.20% graduation rate, the highest among affordable options, while UW-Madison combines reasonable costs with its flagship reputation. Wisconsin's emphasis on outdoor recreation and growing healthcare sector creates strong demand for fitness professionals, with Epic Systems and other major employers increasingly investing in employee wellness programs. Graduates typically earn between $27,222 and $37,208, with debt loads averaging around $24,000. The state's 19 programs span from small private colleges to major research universities, giving students varied pathways into careers ranging from personal training to corporate wellness coordination.

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	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044	$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
2	University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, Wisconsin	$13,405	$8,487	44.1%	95.6%
3	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
4	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754	$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
5	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
6	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
7	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
8	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722	$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
9	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
10	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
11	Ripon College Ripon, Wisconsin	$21,176	$50,700	59.9%	81.3%
12	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315	$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
13	Lakeland University Plymouth, Wisconsin	$22,092	$32,286	55.7%	99.5%
14	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633	$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
15	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341	$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
16	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362	$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
17	Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, Wisconsin	$24,659	$20,280	65.7%	75.1%
18	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
19	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067	$34,250	64.3%	70.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Wisconsin-Parkside such an affordable option for fitness education?

UW-Parkside offers the state's lowest net cost at $10,044 for Health and Physical Education programs, with in-state tuition of just $7,855. The university maintains a 72.83% acceptance rate while providing graduates with median earnings of $32,569, well above the state average for this field. Students graduate with manageable debt of $20,625, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious fitness majors.

How do graduation rates vary among Wisconsin's most affordable fitness programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 39.80% at UW-Parkside to 89.30% at UW-Madison among the most affordable options. UW-La Crosse leads affordable programs with a 71.20% graduation rate at just $15,374 net cost, while UW-Platteville achieves 61.50% completion rates. The data shows that slightly higher costs often correlate with better graduation outcomes in Wisconsin's public system.

Is there a significant earnings difference between public and private fitness programs in Wisconsin?

Private college graduates typically earn $2,000-$4,000 more annually than their public university counterparts in Health and Physical Education. Ripon College leads with $34,704 median earnings despite higher costs, while public programs like UW-Stevens Point produce graduates earning $27,222. However, the earnings premium often doesn't offset the higher debt loads at private institutions, which average $27,000 compared to $22,000-$25,000 at public schools.

Where do Wisconsin fitness graduates find the best job opportunities?

Wisconsin's healthcare sector, anchored by employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare, increasingly values fitness professionals for corporate wellness programs. The state's outdoor recreation industry and growing focus on preventive healthcare create opportunities in both traditional fitness settings and emerging wellness roles. Milwaukee and Madison metropolitan areas offer the highest concentrations of fitness-related jobs, while smaller cities often need qualified physical education teachers and community recreation specialists.

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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.