Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Central Oklahoma

Can a physical education degree from UCO support a comfortable lifestyle in Oklahoma? The answer depends heavily on your expectations. At $33,125 starting, graduates earn above the state median for this field and outpace 67% of similar programs nationally. Among Oklahoma's 21 schools offering this degree, UCO lands solidly in the middle—trailing Oklahoma State by about $2,300 annually but beating out larger state schools like OU.

The debt picture deserves attention. At $21,500, it's below Oklahoma's typical burden for this major, and the 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates finish with manageable obligations—roughly eight months of starting salary. Four years out, earnings climb to $36,666, though this remains modest by bachelor's degree standards. Many PE graduates pursue teaching careers where salaries follow predictable public school scales, which explains both the modest starting point and steady growth trajectory.

For families committed to careers in physical education, coaching, or fitness—particularly those planning to stay in Oklahoma where cost of living helps—UCO represents reasonable value. The debt won't be crushing, and earnings track respectably for the field. Just understand that even four years in, you're looking at mid-30s income, which may require careful budgeting or a second income in the household.