Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus

UConn Hartford's Health and Physical Education program matches Connecticut's median exactly at $32,586, but that's not necessarily reassuring—it's still below two other public options in the state, and the $23,125 debt load ranks in the 75th percentile nationally (meaning only a quarter of similar programs saddle graduates with more debt). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 means graduates owe about 8.5 months of salary, which is manageable but not exceptional. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, that debt burden could prove more challenging for lower-income families counting on quick financial return.

The bigger concern is what these numbers represent: first-year earnings in health and physical education typically reflect entry-level positions in schools or fitness centers, and this field doesn't always offer steep salary growth. Earning slightly above the national median (63rd percentile) provides some cushion, but Central Connecticut and Eastern Connecticut both deliver notably higher starting salaries—over $2,000-$3,000 more annually—which compounds significantly over time.

For families weighing in-state options, this program works if location matters or if your child has other compelling reasons to attend this particular UConn campus. But purely on financial merit, it's middle-of-the-pack among Connecticut's public universities. The field itself requires passion over profit expectations, so if your child is committed to physical education or fitness careers, they should know they're looking at modest starting pay regardless of school—the question is simply whether taking on this level of debt aligns with those realities.