Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University's health and physical education graduates start modestly at $32,584, but the trajectory matters more than the starting point here. Four years out, earnings jump 36% to over $44,000—substantially outpacing both the national median ($30,554) and most Oregon competitors. Among the 11 Oregon schools offering this program, EOU sits comfortably in the middle of the pack for first-year earnings but the growth curve suggests graduates are securing better positions or coaching roles as they gain experience. The $25,000 debt load matches the state median exactly and translates to manageable payments relative to even that modest starting salary.

The real story is in the numbers over time. While Southern Oregon grads start $3,000 higher, EOU's strong earnings growth indicates graduates are developing skills that command better compensation within a few years. For families concerned about return on investment, that 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio means debt is less than one year's starting salary—a reasonable threshold for a field that typically emphasizes passion over pay. Given EOU's 99% admission rate and that over a third of students receive Pell grants, this program delivers solid economic mobility for students who might not access more selective institutions. If your child is genuinely interested in coaching, teaching PE, or fitness management, this represents a financially sound path into the field.