Analysis
At first glance, University of Mobile's Health and Physical Education program appears affordable—$26,000 in debt against $26,785 in earnings creates a nearly 1:1 ratio. But that initial salary sits roughly $3,000 below the Alabama median and $4,000 below the national benchmark. More concerning, this places graduates in the 20th percentile nationally, meaning 80% of comparable programs produce higher-earning graduates. Even within Alabama, where this program ranks at the 40th percentile, nearby alternatives like Auburn Montgomery and Troy University deliver starting salaries around $36,000—nearly $10,000 more annually.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, but the pattern is worth noting. For aspiring PE teachers or fitness professionals, $26,785 translates to roughly $2,200 monthly before taxes—tight margins for someone carrying student loans. The state's top performers demonstrate that Alabama students can access considerably stronger outcomes in this field without leaving the region.
If your child is set on this program at Mobile, understand they're likely starting their career at a financial disadvantage compared to peers at other Alabama schools. The modest debt load helps, but earnings matter more over a 30-year career. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to attend here, programs like Auburn Montgomery or Troy offer substantially better financial positioning in the same field.
Where University of Mobile Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Mobile graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26,120 | $26,785 | — | $26,000 | 0.97 | |
| $9,436 | $36,579 | $48,465 | $26,500 | 0.72 | |
| $9,792 | $36,256 | $39,776 | $27,000 | 0.74 | |
| $13,710 | $30,250 | $37,860 | $25,000 | 0.83 | |
| $11,990 | $29,714 | — | $23,250 | 0.78 | |
| $28,650 | $28,469 | $33,761 | $26,798 | 0.94 | |
| 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 Mobile, approximately 30% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.