Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University's health and physical education program outperforms most of its competitors, landing in the 76th percentile nationally and placing third among Illinois schools—impressive positioning for a program with a moderate acceptance rate. At $34,511 in first-year earnings, graduates earn $4,000 more than the typical Illinois grad in this field and nearly $4,000 above the national median. The debt load of $25,000 sits right at national norms, creating a manageable 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio that's better than many education-related programs.

The 20% earnings growth to $41,406 by year four suggests the career trajectory strengthens as graduates establish themselves in teaching or fitness careers. This progression matters in education fields where certification requirements and experience-based salary schedules can delay initial earnings but provide steady advancement. Only two Illinois programs (Aurora and Benedictine, both private) surpass Eastern Illinois in early outcomes, and they likely come with higher tuition costs.

For parents concerned about education major economics, this represents solid value: above-average earnings potential, reasonable debt, and clear growth. The degree appears to prepare graduates effectively for Illinois teaching positions or fitness industry roles, with outcomes that justify the investment at a public university price point.