Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of North Alabama

Starting at under $30,000 annually means University of North Alabama's health and fitness graduates face a challenging financial reality right out of the gate. While the debt load of $23,250 is manageable in absolute terms, it represents nearly nine months of first-year earnings—and that's before taxes. Within Alabama, this program performs slightly above the state median, landing in the 60th percentile, but it falls well short of what Auburn Montgomery and Troy University graduates achieve (both earning over $36,000). Nationally, it sits just below the middle of the pack.

The core issue here isn't necessarily the debt—it's the earning power in a field where bachelor's holders often compete for positions like PE teacher, fitness coordinator, or recreation director, roles that simply don't command high starting salaries. The earnings data reflects the broader economic reality of this career path rather than any particular weakness of UNA's program. For students passionate about this field, the numbers work better than at many Alabama alternatives, but families should enter with clear eyes about the financial timeline: it may take several years of careful budgeting to get ahead of that debt while building a career in education or fitness.

If your child is determined to pursue this path, UNA offers a relatively affordable entry point compared to pricier Alabama programs, but exploring whether a minor or double major in a higher-earning field could improve long-term prospects deserves serious consideration.