Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha's Health and Physical Education program posts impressive numbers against national competition—landing in the 95th percentile for earnings nationally—but the state picture tells a more nuanced story. At $40,683 first-year out, graduates earn substantially more than the national median of $30,554, yet they're only in the 60th percentile within Nebraska. This suggests the state's market for physical education professionals is relatively strong overall, and while UNO performs solidly, it doesn't dominate locally the way the national ranking might suggest. Wayne State and UNK both produce slightly higher earners in-state.

The financial fundamentals look sound. With median debt of $25,661 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63, most graduates should be able to manage their loans comfortably—this is one of the better debt pictures in education-related fields. Earnings do grow modestly to $42,256 by year four, though the 4% bump is fairly flat compared to fields where early career advancement accelerates quickly.

For families considering this program, UNO offers a reliable path into physical education with manageable debt and earnings that exceed most national peers. The teaching and fitness sectors in Nebraska appear to provide decent compensation, and UNO's accessible admission (87% acceptance rate) means it's a realistic option for most students interested in the field. If your child is committed to this career path, this represents a low-risk financial choice.