Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Baylor University

Baylor's health and physical education program shows what happens when strong career trajectory meets a challenging first year. While graduates earn just $33,921 initially—barely above the national median—earnings jump to $50,913 by year four, a 50% increase that signals genuine career progression. That puts Baylor in the 72nd percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Texas programs, though it still trails the state's elite programs like Rice and Lubbock Christian by $5,000+.

The financial picture is manageable but requires patience. At $26,997, debt sits slightly above the state median but well below the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.80 that improves significantly as salaries climb. The real question is whether your child can weather those lean early years—possibly working in entry-level coaching, fitness instruction, or school positions—before reaching the stronger mid-career earnings.

The bottom line: This works for students who understand they're buying into a growth story rather than immediate returns. The earnings trajectory is real and the debt reasonable, but families should have a plan for supporting those first few years when income barely covers loan payments and basic expenses. If your child is committed to this field and willing to build gradually, Baylor provides a solid foundation—just not a shortcut.