Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Wisconsin-Madison

UW-Madison's Health and Physical Education program starts slower than you'd expect from a flagship university—first-year graduates earn just under $30,000, which trails the state median by $3,000 and sits below average both nationally and within Wisconsin. While $26,000 in debt isn't catastrophic, the initial earnings lag behind several other Wisconsin programs, including UW-Platteville ($46,000) and even smaller schools like Lakeland University ($41,000). For a selective institution with a 43% admission rate and strong academic credentials, these early numbers should prompt questions.

The case for optimism comes entirely from year four, when earnings nearly double to $58,500—well above Wisconsin's state median and representing exceptional 96% growth. This suggests graduates are either advancing into administrative roles, coaching positions with better pay, or pivoting into adjacent fields where a UW-Madison degree carries weight. That trajectory matters if your child has clear career goals and patience for the slow start.

The fundamental question: Is UW-Madison's brand worth accepting below-average early earnings in this field? If your child is committed to teaching PE or fitness instruction and wants to stay in Wisconsin, stronger-performing programs exist at lower price points. If they're using this degree as a stepping stone—perhaps toward athletic administration or graduate school—the long-term earnings trajectory and institutional reputation could justify the investment. Just understand you're paying for potential, not immediate returns.