Health and Physical Education/Fitness at The University of Tampa

The University of Tampa's health and physical education program starts at exactly the national median salary of $30,554, but what matters here is the trajectory: earnings jump 32% by year four to over $40,000, outpacing the typical flat or modest growth seen in this field. Among Florida's 31 programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile—solidly ahead of the state median but well behind top performers like UF ($39,717 even at year one).

The $26,000 debt load is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 that falls right in the middle nationally. For a field where many graduates enter teaching or coaching roles with compressed pay scales, starting below what you'll earn four years out isn't unusual. The question is whether that $40,000+ ceiling justifies the investment when Florida's public universities offer stronger earning potential, often at lower cost for in-state students.

This program works if your child values Tampa's private school environment and the career support that drives that earnings growth. But if maximizing financial return is the priority, compare carefully against UF or Florida Gulf Coast, where graduates start closer to where Tampa students finish. The numbers suggest Tampa can get you there—just not as efficiently as the state's leading programs.