Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Nebraska Wesleyan University

The small sample size here demands caution, but the available data reveals a program that starts slow yet delivers impressive earnings growth. Nebraska Wesleyan's health and physical education graduates earn just $28,791 in their first year—below both the state median ($33,807) and national average ($30,554), ranking in the 40th percentile among Nebraska programs. However, by year four, earnings jump 72% to nearly $49,527, suggesting graduates eventually find their footing in coaching, athletic training, or fitness management roles. The manageable $27,000 debt load (below both state and national medians) means the rough start doesn't compound into a debt trap.

The real question is whether your student can weather those lean early years. Compared to University of Nebraska Omaha's program (first-year earnings of $40,683) or even Wayne State ($35,343), Nebraska Wesleyan's graduates face a tougher financial beginning. The eventual earnings are strong, but that 72% growth suggests many graduates start in lower-paying positions—perhaps substitute teaching or hourly fitness roles—before moving into salaried coaching or administrative positions.

Given the limited data and below-median early outcomes, this program makes sense primarily for students with a clear path to advancement (like graduate school for athletic training) or family support during those first years. The debt is reasonable enough to avoid disaster, but stronger in-state alternatives exist for students who need immediate earning power.