Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,809
78th percentile
60th percentile in Indiana
Median Debt
$24,031
7% below national median

Analysis

University of Evansville's health and physical education graduates start modestly at $34,809, but four-year earnings jump to $55,141โ€”a 58% increase that suggests career progression into coaching leadership roles or specialized training positions. Among Indiana's 27 programs, this ranks solidly in the middle, trailing Valparaiso and University of Indianapolis but ahead of most state competitors. The $24,031 median debt is also slightly below both state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69.

The trajectory here matters more than the starting salary. While first-year earnings barely exceed the Indiana median, that mid-$50K mark by year four opens doors to stable middle-class earnings in a field known for job security and benefits. Graduates likely move from entry-level PE teaching positions into department head roles, athletic director positions, or corporate wellness management.

The major caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes vary more than at larger programs. Still, for families seeking an affordable path into education and athletics careers with strong upward mobility, this program delivers measurable returns without excessive debt burden.

Where University of Evansville Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Evansville graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Evansville$34,809$55,141+58%
Purdue University-Main Campus$26,687$53,337+100%
Indiana University-Bloomington$35,873$53,142+48%
Trine University$25,812$51,996+101%
Indiana University-Indianapolis$34,575$50,577+46%

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (27 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of EvansvilleEvansville$42,676$34,809$55,141$24,0310.69
Valparaiso UniversityValparaiso$46,588$44,937$41,366$27,0000.60
University of IndianapolisIndianapolis$36,136$38,364$49,930$26,7860.70
Anderson UniversityAnderson$35,640$36,742$44,938$26,5810.72
Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionMarion$31,168$36,739โ€”โ€”โ€”
Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington$11,790$35,873$53,142$19,6570.55
National Medianโ€”$30,554โ€”$25,7570.84

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates

Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling

Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Athletes and Sports Competitors

Compete in athletic events.

$62,360/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Athletic Trainers

Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

$60,250/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Exercise Physiologists

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.

$58,160/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.

$46,180/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Coaches and Scouts

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

$45,920/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Evansville, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 60 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.