Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Concordia University-Chicago

The small sample size here demands caution, but these numbers tell a story of dramatic income growth that deserves attention. Concordia-Chicago graduates in this program start at just $29,231—slightly below both state and national medians—but by year four they're earning $50,212, a 72% jump that far exceeds typical progressions in physical education. That growth pattern suggests many graduates may be moving into coaching, athletic administration, or specialized fitness roles that value experience.

The debt load of $26,166 looks manageable given the four-year earnings, but that first year is tight—borrowers would need to dedicate roughly 90% of gross income to clear the debt in one year under standard formulas. Among Illinois's 34 programs, this one sits right at the middle of the pack for both earnings and debt, trailing schools like Aurora and Benedictine by $7,000-8,000 at the one-year mark but potentially closing that gap over time.

The real question is whether your child has a clear path to those higher-earning positions. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, Concordia serves a population that can't afford a slow earnings ramp. If teaching gym class is the goal, those early years will be financially challenging. But if the degree opens doors to athletic training, recreation management, or college coaching—roles where this dramatic earnings growth makes sense—the investment pencils out better than it initially appears.