Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Tarleton State University

Tarleton State's Health and Physical Education program punches well above its weight, delivering earnings that beat 87% of similar programs nationwide—a remarkable outcome for a university with a 94% acceptance rate. First-year graduates earn $36,117, climbing to $48,162 by year four, substantially outpacing both the Texas median ($32,429) and national benchmark ($30,554). The manageable debt load of $20,500 means graduates owe just seven months of their first-year salary, one of the lowest burdens in this field.

The program sits in the middle tier among Texas schools—behind private institutions like Rice and SMU that break $45,000—but graduates carry significantly less debt than most peers. That 60th percentile state ranking shouldn't discourage you; it reflects Texas's unusually competitive landscape for this major, where Tarleton still outperforms two-thirds of the state median. The strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates secure quality positions that offer real advancement, likely in coaching, athletic training, or fitness management roles.

For families weighing cost against outcomes, Tarleton delivers exceptional value. Your child would graduate with below-average debt while earning substantially more than typical graduates in this field, entering a career with clear income growth potential. This is what smart higher education investment looks like.