Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Georgia

UGA's health and physical education program starts graduates at a modest $33,108, but that figure tells less than half the story. By year four, earnings jump to $54,482—a 65% increase that ranks among the strongest trajectories we see in this field. With debt of $22,250, graduates owe just eight months of their first-year salary, and that burden becomes far more manageable as earnings climb. Among Georgia's 30 programs, this lands solidly in the 60th percentile, outpacing the state median by nearly $4,000 and trailing only a handful of competitors like Emory and North Georgia.

The real question is what drives that earnings growth. Many health and PE graduates start in entry-level coaching or teaching positions with compressed salaries, then move into athletic administration, corporate wellness, or specialized training roles that pay considerably more. UGA's strong alumni network and the university's reputation in Georgia likely accelerate those transitions. The debt picture is reasonable—lower than both national and state medians—making the early years financially manageable even on a tight budget.

For families concerned about immediate post-graduation earnings, the first-year number might feel underwhelming. But if your child is serious about a career in fitness, athletics, or health education, this program's trajectory suggests they'll have room to grow into better-paying roles. The key is understanding that year one is a launching point, not the destination.