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

The dramatic earnings jump from $30,655 to $62,261 tells an unusual story about Health and Physical Education graduates from UW-Parkside, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers should be interpreted carefully. That 103% growth rate suggests graduates may start in entry-level coaching or fitness positions before moving into better-paying roles like school teaching or athletic administration. However, the first-year salary lags behind Wisconsin's median of $32,801 for this program, placing UW-Parkside in the 40th percentile statewide—below schools like UW-Platteville ($46,027) and Lakeland University ($41,427).

The $25,349 debt load is manageable and slightly below both state and national medians, which helps offset the weak starting salary. The 0.83 debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable on paper, but that calculation relies on the lowest earning year. If your child follows the pattern shown in this data and reaches the four-year mark, the financial picture improves substantially. The risk is whether they'll stick with the field long enough to see those gains, especially given that initial $30,655 salary in an area where teaching jobs may be competitive.

With limited data points driving these numbers, consider this program if your child is specifically committed to physical education or coaching and willing to navigate a slower-earning start. The debt won't be crushing, but the early years will likely require financial patience before career advancement kicks in.