Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Louisiana at Monroe

ULM's Health and Physical Education program starts slow but accelerates impressively—graduates earning $26,286 in year one see their income jump 51% to nearly $40,000 by year four. That growth rate helps explain why this program sits at the 40th percentile among Louisiana's ten programs offering this degree, even though first-year earnings lag behind state leaders like LSU and Louisiana Tech by $5,000-6,000. The $21,500 debt load is actually below both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.82 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves substantially as career progression kicks in.

The challenge here is patience. That $26,286 starting salary ranks in just the 17th percentile nationally—significantly below the national median of $30,554. Graduates will likely need to rely on summer work, coaching stipends, or additional employment during those first couple years. However, the trajectory matters: by year four, earnings approach $40,000, which represents solid income for Louisiana's cost of living and suggests career development through head coaching positions, athletic director roles, or supplemental income streams typical in this field.

For families comfortable with a modest starting salary in exchange for reasonable debt and strong mid-term growth, this program delivers practical value. Just ensure your child understands they're choosing a field where peak earning potential takes time to develop and may require geographic flexibility or multiple income sources early in their career.