Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Northern Colorado

Median Earnings (1yr)

$33,952

72nd percentile

60th percentile in Colorado

Median Debt

$24,500

5% below national median

Analysis

University of Northern Colorado graduates enter the workforce earning roughly $1,400 more than the typical Colorado health and physical education major—solid but not spectacular positioning within the state. What makes this program compelling is the trajectory: earnings jump 28% by year four to $43,512, eventually surpassing what graduates from CSU-Fort Collins and CSU-Pueblo earn initially. You're paying about $1,100 more in debt than the state median, but the 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child could theoretically pay off loans with nine months of first-year salary.

The real question is whether this growth pattern holds long-term. While UNC ranks in the 72nd percentile nationally for this major—outperforming three-quarters of similar programs—it sits squarely in the middle among Colorado's ten schools. Metropolitan State University graduates start at $41,161, a $7,200 premium that would take UNC grads several years to match even with their strong earnings growth.

For families considering teaching or coaching careers (typical paths for this degree), UNC delivers reasonable value with manageable debt and clear income progression. Just recognize you're choosing steady advancement over immediate earning power, and the eventual salary may still trail what higher-performing Colorado programs deliver from day one.

Where University of Northern Colorado Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Northern Colorado graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
University of Northern Colorado	$33,952	$43,512	+28%
Colorado State University-Fort Collins	$35,326	$47,082	+33%
Metropolitan State University of Denver	$41,161	$46,387	+13%
Western Colorado University	$21,038	$44,827	+113%
Colorado Mesa University	$31,253	$41,768	+34%

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (10 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of Northern ColoradoGreeley	$12,010	$33,952	$43,512	$24,500	0.72
Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver	$10,780	$41,161	$46,387	$22,292	0.54
Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins	$12,896	$35,326	$47,082	$22,000	0.62
Colorado State University PuebloPueblo	$9,401	$34,865	$40,768	$26,117	0.75
Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction	$9,712	$31,253	$41,768	$25,900	0.83
Adams State UniversityAlamosa	$9,776	$30,045	$34,394	$21,451	0.71
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

Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling

Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Athletes and Sports Competitors

Compete in athletic events.

$62,360/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Athletic Trainers

Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

$60,250/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Exercise Physiologists

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.

$58,160/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.

$46,180/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Coaches and Scouts

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

$45,920/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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 Northern Colorado, approximately 26% 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 113 graduates with reported earnings and 153 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.