Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Texas Tech University

Texas Tech's health and physical education program starts slowly but demonstrates impressive momentum. Graduates earn $33,705 in their first year—solid but not spectacular—then see earnings jump 44% to nearly $49,000 by year four. That growth trajectory outpaces most peers and suggests graduates are moving into coaching, athletic administration, or school positions with better pay scales as they gain experience. With $23,490 in debt (slightly below both state and national medians), the first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 is manageable, improving dramatically as those earnings climb.

Among Texas's 63 programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings—respectable middle-of-the-pack performance in a competitive state market. You're paying less than Rice or SMU grads while earning more than graduates from most regional competitors by year four. The 71% admission rate and moderate cost structure make this accessible to a broad range of students, which matters in a field where personality and coaching ability often matter as much as pedigree.

The key consideration: can your child handle that lean first year or two? If they're entering teaching or coaching—typical paths for this degree—starting salaries will be modest. But those willing to invest in building their careers see meaningful income growth. For students committed to athletics, fitness, or physical education as a profession, Texas Tech offers a cost-effective path with genuine upward mobility.