Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Kansas

The standout feature of Kansas's Health and Physical Education program is its exceptional earnings trajectory—graduates see their income surge 70% from year one to year four, reaching $57,522. That's a remarkable acceleration in a field that typically sees more modest growth, and it suggests graduates are moving quickly into coaching, administrative, or specialized roles that pay substantially more than entry-level teaching positions.

The debt picture deserves attention: at $22,125, it's below both the national median ($25,757) and Kansas average ($26,649) for this field, which is encouraging. However, that initial $33,891 salary means new graduates are taking home roughly $30,000 after loan payments—tight for someone just starting out. Within Kansas, this program sits comfortably in the middle of the pack, trailing only Pittsburg State and Wichita State among major programs, but it's the long-term earning potential that sets it apart.

For parents evaluating this path, the key question is whether their child can weather those first few lean years. If they're committed to advancing in athletic administration, coaching at higher levels, or moving into wellness management roles where those year-four earnings become realistic, Kansas delivers solid value. The relatively manageable debt load makes this gamble less risky than at many peer institutions, but it's not a program where financial comfort arrives immediately after graduation.