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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,136 | $38,364 | $49,930 | $26,786 | 0.70 | |
| $46,588 | $44,937 | $41,366 | $27,000 | 0.60 | |
| $35,640 | $36,742 | $44,938 | $26,581 | 0.72 | |
| $31,168 | $36,739 | — | — | — | |
| $11,790 | $35,873 | $53,142 | $19,657 | 0.55 | |
| $10,136 | $35,587 | $46,368 | $22,375 | 0.63 | |
| National Median | — | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Athletic Trainers
Exercise Physiologists
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Coaches and Scouts
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.