Health and Physical Education/Fitness at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

UTC's Health and Physical Education program starts behind Tennessee's top performers but shows something those schools don't: remarkable earnings growth. While graduates earn just $29,772 their first year—below both state and national medians—by year four they've jumped to $41,800. That 40% increase suggests graduates are moving beyond entry-level coaching or teaching positions into better-paying roles, perhaps in administration, specialized training, or corporate wellness.

The debt picture offers real relief here. At $22,500, you're borrowing about $1,500 less than the state median and $3,200 below the national average. That keeps the financial pressure manageable during those lower-earning early years. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Tennessee's 31 schools—solidly middle of the pack—though it trails state leaders like Tennessee Tech by several thousand dollars annually. Still, with a 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio and strong earnings trajectory, the math works better than it does at most comparable programs.

For families comfortable with a slower financial start in exchange for lower debt and solid growth potential, this is a reasonable path. Just recognize that unlike nursing or accounting, this field rarely delivers high starting salaries. The value here lies in the combination of manageable debt, strong support systems at an accessible institution, and genuine upward mobility once graduates establish themselves.