Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

UNC Charlotte's health and physical education program outperforms most alternatives in North Carolina, though the field itself demands careful consideration. Starting salaries of $34,219 put graduates in the 60th percentile among NC programs—trailing only Meredith College and NC State among major options—and well above the state median of $27,624. With debt of $26,000 (roughly on par with state averages), graduates face a manageable 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe less than a year's salary.

The earnings trajectory shows steady improvement, reaching $40,186 by year four—a 17% gain that suggests career advancement in teaching, coaching, or fitness management roles. These numbers reflect North Carolina's relatively lower cost of living compared to coastal states, where similar roles might pay more but come with steeper housing costs. The program serves a socioeconomically diverse student body (34% Pell recipients) and produces consistent outcomes with a sample size of over 100 graduates.

The core question is whether your child is committed to this field, as typical starting salaries won't match business or healthcare programs. But for students passionate about physical education or athletic training, UNC Charlotte delivers competitive preparation at an accessible price point. Among NC's 44 programs, this represents a solid value—especially for in-state students paying lower tuition.