Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Nevada-Las Vegas

UNLV's Health and Physical Education program starts graduates at $29,123—below the national average—but the trajectory tells a more interesting story. Earnings jump 30% within four years to $37,713, moving graduates well above what most health and physical education majors earn nationally. This is the only program of its kind tracked in Nevada, making UNLV essentially the in-state option for students who want this degree.

The debt picture is notably better than most competitors: $21,102 versus the $25,757 national median. That lighter debt load matters when starting earnings sit in the upper $20Ks. The 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about nine months' salary—manageable, especially as income rises. Since UNLV serves a large first-generation population (40% on Pell grants), keeping debt down while offering a clear path to middle-class earnings has real value.

The catch is that first year at under $30,000. Parents should understand their graduate will likely need roommates or family support initially, particularly expensive in Las Vegas where cost of living has climbed. But for Nevada families looking at this field, UNLV offers the combination of in-state tuition, reasonable debt, and earnings that outpace the national curve by year four. If your child is committed to fitness education or coaching, this program's growth pattern justifies the modest starting point.