Health and Physical Education/Fitness at The University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA's Health and Physical Education program starts slow but delivers impressive earnings growth that transforms its value proposition. While graduates earn just $30,160 in their first year—below both the Texas median ($32,429) and national average—they see their income jump 63% to $49,061 by year four. This trajectory places eventual earnings well above typical outcomes for this field and suggests the program builds marketable skills that take time to translate into higher pay.

The debt load of $25,000 is reasonable and actually slightly below the state median ($23,658), creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83. More importantly, as earnings grow substantially over the first few years, this debt becomes increasingly affordable. The program ranks in the 40th percentile among Texas schools initially, but the strong earnings growth pattern indicates graduates are likely moving into higher-paying roles in fitness management, corporate wellness, or specialized training positions.

For families willing to weather lower starting salaries, this program offers solid long-term value. The robust sample size gives confidence in these outcomes, and UTSA's accessible admissions (88% acceptance rate) make it attainable for most students. The key is understanding that this field rewards experience and specialization—patience with initial earnings pays off significantly by year four.