Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Florida

University of Florida achieves something rare: turning a traditionally lower-paying education field into a genuinely strong career investment. At $39,717 right after graduation, grads earn 30% more than the national median and sit in the 95th percentile nationally—meaning they outperform virtually every comparable program in the country. Even within Florida, where this program competes against 30 other schools, UF ranks in the 80th percentile, tied with its own online program for the top spot statewide.

The financial picture gets better with time. Earnings jump to $50,460 by year four, representing solid 27% growth that suggests graduates are advancing into coaching, administration, or specialized fitness roles. Meanwhile, the $19,982 median debt sits well below both national and state averages—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.5 means graduates owe less than six months' salary, making those loans manageable from day one.

For parents weighing education-focused majors, this program demonstrates that institutional quality matters enormously. UF's selectivity and resources appear to translate into better career placement and higher-paying opportunities than the typical phys-ed degree. If your child is committed to this field, they're unlikely to find better outcomes elsewhere in Florida or nationally.