Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Bellarmine University

Bellarmine's Health and Physical Education program starts slowly but builds momentum—graduates earn just over $30,000 initially but see their income jump 38% to $41,610 within four years. That's promising growth, though it can't fully overcome the challenge that this field pays below-average wages across Kentucky. While Bellarmine lands near the state median, stronger in-state options exist: Northern Kentucky University graduates earn $42,725 and University of Louisville grads make $33,241 in their first year, giving them a significant head start.

The $25,944 in student debt aligns closely with both national and state benchmarks, creating a manageable but not impressive debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86. By year four, the financial picture improves considerably as earnings climb well above that initial debt burden. The moderate sample size suggests reasonably consistent outcomes across graduates.

For families considering this program, the key question is career trajectory. If your child plans to pursue graduate education in fields like physical therapy or athletic training—where that bachelor's degree serves as a stepping stone—Bellarmine's foundation could work fine. But if they're heading straight into teaching or fitness careers after graduation, the stronger-performing Kentucky programs offer better starting positions without requiring you to bet heavily on future earnings growth.