Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Indiana Wesleyan's health and physical education program delivers first-year earnings of $36,739—putting it in the 92nd percentile nationally but more middle-of-the-pack within Indiana's competitive landscape. What's striking is that this relatively modest absolute salary still outperforms 92% of similar programs nationwide, suggesting how challenged this field is economically across the country. Within Indiana, the program sits behind higher earners like Valparaiso ($44,937) and UIndy ($38,364), but remains competitive with peers like Anderson and IU-Bloomington.

The estimated debt load of $27,000—based on Indiana Wesleyan's typical borrowing patterns across programs—creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73, which is manageable compared to many bachelor's degrees. Similar programs in Indiana typically carry around $26,000 in debt, so this estimate aligns with state norms. For students passionate about teaching PE or working in fitness, this represents a reasonable financial path compared to alternatives in the field.

The practical reality: your child would likely earn above the national average for this major but face a crowded Indiana market where several programs produce stronger outcomes. If they're committed to this career path, Indiana Wesleyan offers a viable option, but understanding that $36,000-$37,000 represents the likely starting point—not a launching pad to significantly higher earnings—is essential for realistic financial planning.