Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan's Health and Physical Education program punches above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $34,499—significantly outpacing both Michigan's median ($28,045) and the national benchmark ($30,554). While it trails Michigan's top program at U-M Ann Arbor by about $9,000, it competes closely with Adrian College and Davenport, placing in the 60th percentile among Michigan programs. The debt load of $26,894 is reasonable, resulting in a manageable 0.78 debt-to-earnings ratio that's better than most programs nationally.

The trajectory here matters as much as the starting point. Earnings jump 33% to nearly $46,000 by year four—a strong growth pattern that suggests graduates move beyond entry-level positions relatively quickly. This could reflect advancement into coaching coordinator roles, athletic director positions, or corporate wellness management. Combined with below-average debt burden (27th percentile nationally means lower debt than most peers), graduates start their careers without crushing monthly payments.

For families evaluating accessible Michigan options in this field, Eastern Michigan delivers solid value. It won't match Michigan's research university outcomes, but it substantially outperforms the state median while keeping debt in check. The combination of strong starting salaries and meaningful income growth makes this a practical choice for students committed to careers in fitness education or athletic program management.