Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Arkansas State University

Arkansas State's Health and Physical Education program starts graduates at $32,685—ahead of both the state median ($29,854) and national benchmark ($30,554)—and that gap widens considerably over time. Four years out, earnings jump 32% to $43,288, which is rare momentum for this field. Among Arkansas's 15 programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, outperforming well-known schools like Harding and University of Arkansas at Monticello.

The $26,000 debt load sits just above state averages but translates to a manageable 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio. For parents worried about payback timelines, graduates enter the workforce earning enough to handle their loans while benefiting from Arkansas State's relatively accessible tuition structure (37% of students receive Pell grants). The strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates are moving into coaching, program coordination, or school administration roles that pay better than entry-level teaching positions.

The real advantage here is getting above-average outcomes at an institution with a 70% admission rate. If your child is committed to a career in fitness, coaching, or physical education, this program delivers competitive Arkansas earnings without requiring elite credentials for admission. The upward earnings curve matters more than the modest starting salary.