Health and Physical Education/Fitness at McKendree University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How McKendree University graduates compare to all programs nationally
McKendree University graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all health and physical education/fitness bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (34 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McKendree University | $31,259 | — | $27,000 | 0.86 |
| Aurora University | $37,256 | — | $27,000 | 0.72 |
| Benedictine University | $36,344 | — | $26,000 | 0.72 |
| North Central College | $34,609 | $49,126 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
| Eastern Illinois University | $34,511 | $41,406 | $25,000 | 0.72 |
| Northern Illinois University | $32,158 | $43,029 | $27,418 | 0.85 |
| National Median | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Other Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora University Aurora | $28,220 | $37,256 | $27,000 |
| Benedictine University Lisle | $34,290 | $36,344 | $26,000 |
| North Central College Naperville | $44,394 | $34,609 | $27,000 |
| Eastern Illinois University Charleston | $13,403 | $34,511 | $25,000 |
| Northern Illinois University Dekalb | $12,700 | $32,158 | $27,418 |
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.