Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

UW-Stevens Point's Health and Physical Education program outperforms three-quarters of similar programs nationwide, placing graduates ahead of the typical fitness education major from the start. With first-year earnings of $34,503—about $4,000 above the national median—students leave this highly accessible campus (90% admission rate) earning more than peers at most comparable programs.

The debt picture is reasonable: $25,200 sits just below national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 that most families can manage. However, earnings growth tells a more complicated story. Four years out, graduates earn just $35,742, representing minimal advancement in a field where career progression can be limited without additional certifications or advanced degrees. Within Wisconsin, the program ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, though it trails significantly behind UW-Platteville ($46,027) and several private institutions where graduates see stronger income trajectories.

For students passionate about coaching, teaching physical education, or fitness instruction, this program offers a financially viable entry point—especially compared to programs that saddle graduates with similar debt but lower starting salaries. Just understand that the initial $34,500 salary likely represents the near-term ceiling unless your child pursues additional credentials like athletic training certification or moves into administration. The value here is in starting strong, not in dramatic income growth.