Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Connecticut

UConn's Health and Physical Education program sits firmly in the middle of the pack—both nationally and within Connecticut—which creates a straightforward calculus for families. At $32,586 in first-year earnings, graduates earn slightly more than the national median for this field but match exactly what other Connecticut programs produce. The $23,125 in debt is actually lower than the national average, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71. However, it's worth noting that Central Connecticut State and Eastern Connecticut State graduates earn $3,000-3,500 more annually, a significant difference for entry-level positions in this field.

The real question is whether UConn's name recognition and larger campus resources justify paying flagship university costs for a field where earnings start in the low $30,000s. This program performs adequately but not exceptionally—ranking around the 60th percentile means about 40% of similar programs nationwide produce better outcomes. For families concerned about return on investment, the numbers suggest exploring whether the state schools with higher graduate earnings might offer better value, especially if your child plans to work in Connecticut where the regional differences in school prestige may matter less than in competitive urban markets.

The takeaway: This is a functional choice for students committed to careers in fitness, physical education, or coaching, but not a standout performer that commands a premium over less expensive alternatives.