Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Purdue University-Main Campus

Purdue's Health and Physical Education program starts graduates at just $26,687—well below Indiana's median of $34,692 and ranking in the bottom quarter of state programs. That's a concerning $8,000 gap compared to what graduates earn at Indiana University-Bloomington, despite Purdue's higher overall academic profile. The relatively low debt of $20,500 provides some cushion, but the first-year reality is that graduates earn about $4,000 less than the national average for this major.

The story improves dramatically by year four, with median earnings doubling to $53,337. That strong trajectory brings graduates above both national and state benchmarks, suggesting the degree eventually delivers value for those who can weather the difficult early years. However, this fast rise creates a practical challenge: Can graduates cover living expenses and loan payments during those first few years when they're earning barely above $25,000? For Indiana residents paying in-state tuition, the debt level is manageable, but the initial earnings lag is real.

If your child is considering this program, understand they're trading short-term financial stress for longer-term stability. Programs at Valparaiso and Indianapolis offer $10,000+ higher starting salaries, which could make the early years considerably easier. Purdue's name carries weight, but in this particular field, it doesn't translate to immediate earning power.