Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University's Health and Physical Education program starts slowly but becomes one of the state's stronger performers over time. First-year earnings of $31,905 land squarely at the state median, but by year four, graduates are earning $56,514—that's 77% growth and notably higher than competitors like Utah Tech or Southern Utah. Among Utah's eight programs in this field, UVU ranks in the 60th percentile, sitting comfortably in the middle tier while offering more upward momentum than the numbers initially suggest.

The debt picture makes this program particularly accessible. At $15,252, graduates carry roughly $10,000 less debt than the national median and about $1,600 less than the state average. That 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio means students can realistically pay down their loans within a year or two of starting their careers, even during the lower-earning early phase. This matters especially for a field where many graduates may pursue teaching positions or fitness industry roles that don't immediately offer high salaries.

For families concerned about manageable debt and long-term career development, UVU delivers. The program won't catapult graduates into high earnings immediately—Weber State and University of Utah alumni start stronger—but the combination of low debt and solid earning potential by year four creates a viable path forward. It's a practical choice for students committed to physical education or fitness careers who want to avoid the debt burden that hampers many bachelor's degree holders nationally.