Analysis
Texas Lutheran's Health and Physical Education program starts slow but shows remarkable earnings momentum. First-year graduates earn $30,607—below Texas's median of $32,429 and landing at the 40th percentile statewide. However, by year four, earnings jump to $45,247, a 48% increase that puts graduates within striking distance of top-tier programs like Lubbock Christian and SMU. This trajectory suggests graduates either need time to secure better positions or complete additional certifications that unlock higher pay.
The debt burden is exceptionally manageable at $27,000, ranking in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of comparable programs carry higher debt loads. Even with modest starting pay, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88 means graduates could feasibly pay off loans within a year of full-time work. This is rare for teaching and fitness-adjacent fields, where debt often outpaces early-career earnings.
For families willing to weather a challenging first year or two post-graduation, this program offers solid long-term value. The combination of low debt and strong earnings growth creates a favorable financial picture, though parents should understand their child will likely need patience—and possibly further credentials—before reaching competitive salaries in Texas's education and fitness markets.
Where Texas Lutheran University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas Lutheran University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Lutheran University | $30,607 | $45,247 | +48% |
| Southern Methodist University | $45,519 | $70,754 | +55% |
| Rice University | $51,110 | $62,105 | +22% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $37,044 | $58,417 | +58% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $35,583 | $57,339 | +61% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (63 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Texas Lutheran UniversitySeguin | $34,920 | $30,607 | $45,247 | $27,000 | 0.88 |
 Rice UniversityHouston | $58,128 | $51,110 | $62,105 | $10,000 | 0.20 |
 Lubbock Christian UniversityLubbock | $27,298 | $46,359 | $29,246 | $27,000 | 0.58 |
 Southern Methodist UniversityDallas | $64,460 | $45,519 | $70,754 | $20,475 | 0.45 |
 University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio | $35,660 | $40,453 | $42,514 | $30,718 | 0.76 |
 West Texas A & M UniversityCanyon | $9,101 | $40,313 | $49,191 | $22,500 | 0.56 |
| National Median | — | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Athletic Trainers
Exercise Physiologists
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Coaches and Scouts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Texas Lutheran University, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 44 graduates with reported earnings and 61 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.