Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Utah

The University of Utah's Health and Physical Education program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for graduate earnings while keeping debt far below the national average—a combination that's rare enough to warrant serious attention. At $37,920 in year one and $52,242 by year four, graduates earn substantially more than the national median of $30,554 and avoid the typical $25,757 debt burden that peers at other schools carry.

Within Utah, this program trails only Weber State among public universities, sitting at the 60th percentile statewide—a more modest position that reflects the state's generally strong performance in this field. The 38% earnings jump over four years suggests graduates successfully transition from entry-level positions into coaching, athletic training, or fitness management roles with real advancement potential. That $19,500 debt load translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.51, meaning graduates owe roughly half their first year's salary—a manageable burden that many health and PE graduates at other schools would envy.

For families weighing this path, the University of Utah offers a clear financial advantage over most alternatives. Your child would enter a competitive but accessible program (87% admission rate) and emerge with strong earning potential without the debt trap that catches many education-adjacent majors. If they're serious about a career in physical education or fitness—and understand this isn't a fast track to a six-figure income—this program delivers solid value.