Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University graduates in this program earn $42,725 in their first year—roughly 40% more than the typical Health and PE graduate nationally and well above Kentucky's median of $31,048. At the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile in-state, this program significantly outperforms most alternatives, including larger state schools like Louisville and Georgetown College. The earnings trajectory is particularly encouraging, with graduates reaching $47,213 by year four, suggesting real career progression rather than a salary plateau.

The $23,500 in median debt is actually below both national and state benchmarks for this field, and the 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary—a manageable burden for a teaching or coaching career. This combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt is unusual for education-adjacent programs, which often struggle with low starting salaries.

For families concerned about the return on investment in education degrees, this program offers compelling evidence that not all teaching-track programs lead to financial strain. NKU's open-admission model (96% acceptance rate) combined with strong graduate outcomes suggests effective career preparation and regional employer connections that translate into better-than-expected compensation.