Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of West Florida

Starting at under $29,000 means graduates face a challenging first year—about $1,400 below Florida's median for this program and $2,000 below the national benchmark. The good news is the 42% earnings jump over four years, reaching $40,646, which suggests career momentum as teachers gain experience and move through salary schedules. At just over $22,000 in debt, graduates carry about $3,000 less than typical borrowers in this field, making the initial financial strain more manageable.

The real question is whether those first-year struggles are worth the long-term trajectory. By year four, earnings exceed both state and national medians, though still trail programs like University of Florida by nearly $1,000 annually. For students committed to teaching or coaching in Florida's public schools, UWF offers a relatively affordable path into the profession with debt that won't overwhelm starting salaries. However, families should plan for that lean first year—possibly through summer work or living at home—since a 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio means nearly a year's salary goes toward what's borrowed.

If your child is passionate about physical education or athletic training, this program works financially, but only with realistic expectations about entry-level pay in education.