Health and Physical Education/Fitness at South Texas College

South Texas College's Health and Physical Education program stands out in Texas for one compelling reason: minimal debt. At just $4,500, graduates leave with roughly half the state median debt and barely a third of what students nationally carry for this credential. That low debt load, combined with a 60th percentile ranking among Texas programs for earnings, creates real breathing room for recent graduates—even with that modest $22,699 starting salary barely covering $11 per hour.

The 49% earnings jump to $33,707 by year four suggests graduates find their footing relatively quickly, likely moving from part-time fitness roles or school positions into more stable employment. While neither the starting nor four-year earnings are remarkable, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 is exceptional for an associate's degree. Compare this to programs saddling students with debt equal to 60-80% of their first year's income, and you see why the mathematics here work better.

The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so your child's experience could vary significantly. But if they're committed to health and fitness work in South Texas—where cost of living remains lower than state and national averages—this program offers an affordable entry point without the debt trap that makes similar programs elsewhere financially punishing.