Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,305
61st percentile
60th percentile in Tennessee
Median Debt
$27,500
7% above national median

Analysis

University of Memphis delivers solid value in health and physical education, with graduates earning notably more than typical programs in both Tennessee and nationally. Starting at $32,305 and climbing to $42,763 by year four, earnings outpace the national median by about $2,000 initially and grow substantially faster than most competing programs.

The debt picture strengthens this program's appeal significantly. At $27,500, student debt sits in just the 5th percentile nationallyβ€”meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with higher debt loads. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85, well below problematic levels. Among Tennessee's health and physical education programs, Memphis ranks competitively, trailing only Tennessee Tech by a small margin while maintaining much more reasonable debt levels than many alternatives.

The 32% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates successfully transition into higher-paying positions, likely moving from entry-level teaching or fitness roles into administrative, coaching, or specialized positions. With Memphis's 93% admission rate and strong Pell Grant participation, this program offers accessible entry into a field with genuine upward mobility. For families seeking a practical path into education or fitness careers without crushing debt, this program represents a smart investment.

Where University of Memphis Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Memphis 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 Memphis$32,305$42,763+32%
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville$27,374$50,183+83%
The University of Tennessee-Martin$30,587$42,714+40%
Middle Tennessee State University$32,966$42,215+28%
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga$29,772$41,800+40%

Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee

Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (31 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of MemphisMemphis$10,344$32,305$42,763$27,5000.85
Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville$10,084$33,170$39,681$15,6530.47
Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro$9,506$32,966$42,215$23,5000.71
Belmont UniversityNashville$41,320$32,464$37,714$20,0000.62
Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville$8,675$31,846$36,870$25,0000.79
Bethel UniversityMcKenzie$18,168$31,638β€”$29,6770.94
National Medianβ€”$30,554β€”$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 Memphis, approximately 40% 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 379 graduates with reported earnings and 538 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.