Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,364
95th percentile
60th percentile in Indiana
Median Debt
$26,786
4% above national median

Analysis

University of Indianapolis positions itself near the top nationally for health and physical education outcomes, ranking in the 95th percentile—well above the national median of $31,000. That's the good news. The more nuanced reality is that within Indiana, this program sits in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, trailing schools like Valparaiso ($45,000) and several mid-tier state programs.

The debt picture is reasonable at $27,000, creating a manageable 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one. More encouraging is the 30% earnings growth trajectory to nearly $50,000 by year four, suggesting graduates find pathways to better-paying positions—perhaps moving into athletic training, wellness coordination, or education roles that value experience. For a field that nationally starts around $30,000, these numbers represent solid performance.

The real question is whether the outcomes justify the investment compared to Indiana's public alternatives. If your child is drawn to the university's programs or campus environment, the financials won't derail their future. But families focused purely on ROI should note that Indiana University-Bloomington and University of Southern Indiana deliver comparable one-year outcomes at likely lower in-state tuition costs. University of Indianapolis earns its premium through that strong earnings growth pattern, but it requires patience and career development to realize the full benefit.

Where University of Indianapolis Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis$38,364$49,930+30%
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%

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 IndianapolisIndianapolis$36,136$38,364$49,930$26,7860.70
Valparaiso UniversityValparaiso$46,588$44,937$41,366$27,0000.60
Anderson UniversityAnderson$35,640$36,742$44,938$26,5810.72
Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionMarion$31,168$36,739
Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington$11,790$35,873$53,142$19,6570.55
University of Southern IndianaEvansville$10,136$35,587$46,368$22,3750.63
National Median$30,554$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 Indianapolis, approximately 36% 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 66 graduates with reported earnings and 142 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.