Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Northern Michigan University

Northern Michigan University's Health and Physical Education/Fitness program shows concerning early earnings that merit serious consideration, despite strong growth potential. Graduates start at just $22,113—landing in the bottom 5% nationally and well below Michigan's $28,045 median for similar programs. While earnings jump 49% to nearly $33,000 by year four, this still lags behind what competitors like Eastern Michigan ($34,499) and Central Michigan ($32,850) deliver right out of the gate.

The debt picture adds to the challenge. With $24,625 borrowed for first-year earnings of $22,113, graduates face more than a year's salary in debt. Even after four years of career growth, the debt burden remains substantial relative to earning power. Among Michigan's 30 programs, NMU ranks in just the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of in-state alternatives produce stronger outcomes.

Given the small sample size here, these numbers could shift with more data, but the pattern is clear enough to warrant pause. If your child is passionate about physical education or fitness careers, they should understand they're choosing a field with modest financial returns, and NMU appears to be among the weaker options in Michigan for this path. The University of Michigan or even Eastern Michigan would offer significantly better earnings trajectories for similar debt loads.