Health and Physical Education/Fitness at El Paso Community College

El Paso Community College's Health and Physical Education associate's sits near the middle of Texas programs—40th percentile statewide—with graduates earning $28,299 four years out. That trails the state median by about $6,000 annually, though it's worth noting this program serves a substantial population of Pell recipients (36% of the student body). The starting salary of $21,750 is modest, but the 30% earnings growth to year four suggests graduates are finding ways to advance, whether through additional certifications, supervisory roles, or full-time positions in schools or fitness facilities.

The program's strongest selling point is its minimal debt burden. At $5,500, graduates owe less than half the state median and roughly a quarter of what health and PE graduates typically carry nationally. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 means most graduates could realistically pay off their loans within a year or two, even on entry-level salaries. For a field where many practitioners piece together income from multiple part-time teaching or training gigs, starting without crushing debt matters.

The small sample size here is a real limitation—we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances can skew the numbers significantly. If your child is considering this path, understand they're likely entering a field that rewards hustle and supplemental credentials. The low debt makes this a relatively safe bet for someone passionate about fitness or coaching, but they should plan on pursuing additional certifications or a bachelor's degree to reach higher income brackets.