Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Trine University

Trine's health and physical education program starts worryingly slow—$25,812 in the first year ranks among the lowest nationally and well below Indiana's median of $34,692. Even within Indiana, where this program typically pays better than the national average, Trine graduates initially earn about $9,000 less than their in-state peers at schools like Valparaiso ($44,937) or IU-Bloomington ($35,873).

The dramatic rebound to $51,996 by year four deserves attention, suggesting graduates eventually find better-paying positions, likely by moving into coaching, administrative roles, or adjacent fields. However, that first year matters enormously for loan repayment. With $27,000 in debt and starting earnings barely above $25,000, recent graduates face immediate financial pressure that peers at other Indiana programs largely avoid. The debt load itself is reasonable, but it's matched against one of the lowest starting salaries in the field.

If your child is genuinely passionate about physical education and has a clear plan for career advancement, the earnings trajectory offers hope. But understand they're entering a field that pays modestly even in its best outcomes, and Trine's program starts them near the bottom of that range. Schools like University of Indianapolis or Indiana Wesleyan deliver similar debt with $10,000+ higher starting salaries—a meaningful difference when you're 22 and making rent payments.