Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Southern Indiana

At first glance, a health and physical education degree from the University of Southern Indiana might seem like a modest investment, but the numbers tell a more encouraging story than you'd expect from an open-access regional university. While first-year earnings of $35,587 aren't impressive, graduates see 30% income growth by year four, reaching $46,368—well above both the national median ($30,554) and Indiana's state median ($34,692). This program ranks in the 83rd percentile nationally, performing better than 8 out of 10 comparable programs across the country.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $22,375, graduates borrow $3,000 less than the typical Indiana student in this field and nearly $3,500 less than the national average. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 means graduates owe less than eight months of their first-year salary, making repayment manageable even on entry-level teacher or fitness professional wages. While USI doesn't reach Valparaiso's earnings heights, it delivers solid outcomes at a much lower debt load.

For parents worried about career prospects in education and fitness fields, this data suggests USI prepares graduates effectively for the Indiana job market. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings makes this a financially sound choice, particularly for students planning to work in-state where these credentials clearly hold value.