Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Concordia University-Wisconsin

Concordia University-Wisconsin's physical education program produces graduates earning significantly less than others pursuing the same degree in Wisconsin. At $27,522 one year out, graduates trail the state median by $5,300 and rank in just the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of comparable Wisconsin programs deliver better immediate earnings. Other Wisconsin schools like UW-Platteville and Lakeland produce grads earning nearly double in their first year.

The strong earnings jump to $45,226 by year four offers some reassurance, but there's a practical challenge most parents overlook: surviving those lean early years while making loan payments. With $27,000 in debt and first-year earnings barely covering it, your child faces a tight financial squeeze during their twenties—a period when many phys ed grads are working as substitute teachers, coaching part-time, or piecing together fitness instructor gigs before landing full-time positions. The debt load itself isn't unusually high, but paired with below-average starting pay, it creates real budget pressure.

If your child is passionate about teaching or athletic training and specifically wants Concordia's faith-based environment, understand they'll likely need financial support during those first few years or should minimize borrowing. The career trajectory improves with time, but the starting gate is rough compared to alternatives within Wisconsin.