Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Houston-Clear Lake

University of Houston-Clear Lake's physical education program punches well above its weight: graduates earn $35,107 in their first year—substantially more than both the national median ($30,554) and Texas median ($32,429) for this field. Even more impressive, students leave with just $18,750 in debt, among the lowest in the state and well below the national median of $25,757. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 is exceptional for any program, meaning graduates owe roughly half of what they'll earn in their first year.

The earnings trajectory looks solid too, with incomes climbing 26% to $44,375 by year four. While this program doesn't reach the heights of Rice ($51,110) or Lubbock Christian ($46,359), those comparisons are somewhat unfair given UH-Clear Lake's 75% acceptance rate and more accessible price point. Among the 63 Texas schools offering this degree, ranking in the 60th percentile for earnings while carrying minimal debt represents genuine value.

For families concerned about affordability in a traditionally lower-paying field, this combination of manageable debt and above-average starting salaries addresses the core financial risk. The program serves a student body where nearly half receive Pell grants yet still delivers outcomes that outperform most competitors nationally. If your child is committed to physical education or fitness careers, this represents one of the safer financial bets in Texas.