Location: Lebanon, IL•In-State Tuition: $34,070•Admission Rate: 64%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$31,259
55th percentile
60th percentile in Illinois
Median Debt
$27,000
5% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.86 ManageableSample: 29 graduates Limited data

Analysis

McKendree's health and physical education program sits right in the middle of the pack—both nationally (55th percentile) and within Illinois (60th percentile). First-year earnings of $31,259 edge above state and national medians, though they trail notably behind top Illinois programs like Aurora ($37,256) and Benedictine ($36,344). The relatively modest debt load of $27,000 is actually a bright spot here, landing in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with more debt.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 is manageable, meaning graduates earn slightly more than they owe in their first year out. This isn't spectacular, but it's workable for a field where passion often matters as much as paycheck. The real concern is whether those starting earnings will grow meaningfully over time, something this data can't tell us. Physical education and fitness careers can vary wildly—from teaching positions with steady advancement to coaching or training roles that may plateau quickly.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, so treat them as a rough indicator rather than gospel. If your child is committed to this field, McKendree won't bury them in debt, but they shouldn't expect outsized financial returns either. The program delivers fair value, not exceptional outcomes.

Where McKendree University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally

McKendree UniversityOther health and physical education/fitness programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How McKendree University graduates compare to all programs nationally

McKendree University earns $31k — 55th percentile among health and physical education/fitness bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (34 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
McKendree UniversityLebanon$34,070$31,259—$27,0000.86
Aurora UniversityAurora$28,220$37,256—$27,0000.72
Benedictine UniversityLisle$34,290$36,344—$26,0000.72
North Central CollegeNaperville$44,394$34,609$49,126$27,0000.78
Eastern Illinois UniversityCharleston$13,403$34,511$41,406$25,0000.72
Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb$12,700$32,158$43,029$27,4180.85
National Median—$30,554—$25,7570.84

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates

Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling

Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Athletes and Sports Competitors

Compete in athletic events.

$62,360/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Athletic Trainers

Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

$60,250/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Exercise Physiologists

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.

$58,160/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.

$46,180/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Coaches and Scouts

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

$45,920/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At McKendree University, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.