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Exercise Science Degree in Minneapolis, MN — Salary & ROI 2026

Exercise Science degree analysis for Minneapolis, MN. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$49K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$56K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

7.6 yrs

in Minneapolis

Cost of Living

97

index (100 = avg)

Exercise Science in Minneapolis, MN Overview

Minneapolis, Minnesota (pop. 429,954) has 15 colleges offering Exercise Science programs. The local cost of living index of 97 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $805/month. Exercise Science enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Exercise Prescription and Fitness Testing. The adjusted starting salary in Minneapolis is approximately $48,500.

Category

Healthcare

Local Colleges

15

Public Tuition

$15,142/yr

Private Tuition

$45,823/yr

Room & Board

$12,394/yr

Avg Fin. Aid

$14,033/yr

Unemployment

4.4%

Graduation Rate

61%

Exercise Science Salary in Minneapolis (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Minneapolis's cost of living index of 97 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,500($-1,500 vs national)
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
$56,260($-1,740 vs national)
Senior Level (15+ yrs)
$69,840($-2,160 vs national)

Note: National average Exercise Science salary: $50,000 starting, $58,000 mid-career, $72,000 senior level.Minneapolis adjustment factor: 0.97x based on the local cost of living index.

Exercise Science ROI Calculator for Minneapolis

Estimate your return on investment for a Exercise Science degree using local Minneapolis tuition and cost of living data.

Public avg: $15,142 | Private avg: $45,823

Minneapolis avg aid: $14,033/yr

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$110,144

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$14,550

vs HS diploma in Minneapolis

ROI Payback Period

7.6 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Minneapolis

$132,356

Lifetime earnings premium ($242,500) minus total education cost ($110,144)

Student Loan Payoff for Exercise Science in Minneapolis

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$110,144
Monthly Payment$1,251
Total Interest$39,936
% of Monthly Income31%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$110,144
Monthly Payment$2,155
Total Interest$19,162
Interest Savings$20,774

Colleges in Minneapolis for Exercise Science

University of Minnesota

public

$15,142/yr

$60,568 total

University of St. Thomas

private

$49,716/yr

$198,864 total

Augsburg University

private

$41,930/yr

$167,720 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Minneapolis College

$5,772/yr

Top Employers for Exercise Science in Minneapolis

Minneapolis offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Exercise Science graduates. National top employers in this field include:

YMCAHospitalsSports TeamsFitness CentersCorporate Wellness

Key Minneapolis Hiring Sectors for Healthcare

Hospitals

Medical centers

Private practices

Health systems

Pharma companies

Common Exercise Science Job Titles

Exercise PhysiologistStrength CoachCardiac Rehab Specialist

Exercise Science Degree in Minneapolis — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Exercise Science ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Minneapolis.

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