Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Illinois Chicago

The headline for UIC's health and physical education program isn't the first-year salary—it's what happens next. Graduates start at $28,874, slightly below the Illinois median of $30,051, but earnings surge 86% to nearly $54,000 by year four. That trajectory transforms what initially looks like a modest investment into something more compelling, though it does mean graduates should plan for a financially tight first year or two after college.

The debt picture is actually one of this program's strongest selling points. At $16,750, graduates owe roughly $10,000 less than typical Illinois peers in this field and substantially less than the national median of $25,757. Combined with that earnings growth, the debt becomes manageable relatively quickly—the 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio based on first-year income drops significantly as salaries climb. Half of UIC students receive Pell grants, suggesting this lower debt burden matters for families who can least afford heavy loans.

The practical reality: your child will likely need financial support or a side job that first year, but this isn't a dead-end degree. The 86% earnings growth suggests graduates are finding their footing in coaching, corporate wellness, or education roles that pay better than entry-level positions. Among Illinois programs in this field, UIC sits slightly below median but costs significantly less in debt, making it a reasonable choice for families prioritizing affordability alongside career prospects—just not the strongest earning outcome the state offers.