Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indiana University-Indianapolis's health and physical education program delivers strong early career growth that pushes graduates well above national averages, but the story within Indiana is more nuanced. At $50,577 four years out, graduates earn substantially more than the $30,554 national median—landing this program in the 76th percentile nationally. That 46% earnings jump from year one to year four suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into higher-paying roles, likely moving from entry-level coaching or fitness positions into athletic coordination, program management, or administrative work.

Here's the complication: while IU-Indianapolis beats national benchmarks handily, it sits squarely in the middle of Indiana's competitive landscape at the 40th percentile statewide. You're paying roughly median Indiana debt ($24,449 vs. $26,272 state average) but getting median Indiana outcomes. Top programs like Valparaiso show graduates can reach $45,000+ within four years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 is manageable—your child should be able to handle the payments—but you're not getting a standout deal for an Indiana resident.

The practical takeaway: This program works if your child is committed to staying in Indianapolis, where IU's local network and reputation carry weight in school districts and recreation departments. But if they're considering in-state options and willing to relocate within Indiana, programs like Valparaiso or University of Indianapolis deliver notably higher returns for similar debt loads.