Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Wichita State University

Wichita State's Health and Physical Education program costs less and pays more than typical programs in Kansas—a combination that makes this accessible state school a smart choice for students interested in teaching PE or fitness careers. At $23,000 in debt versus the Kansas median of $26,649, graduates leave with nearly $4,000 less to repay while earning above both state and national averages from day one.

The 26% earnings growth from $33,449 to $42,046 over four years is particularly encouraging for a field that doesn't always see strong early career progression. This puts Wichita State in solid company, outperforming most Kansas programs except Pittsburg State and KU. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 means graduates owe less than what they'll earn in their first year—manageable territory for entry-level teaching and fitness positions that offer stability and benefits.

The main risk here is that these aren't high-ceiling careers—$42,000 at year four reflects the reality of education and fitness industry pay scales. But if your student is passionate about physical education or athletic training, Wichita State delivers reasonable preparation without the debt burden that could make those modest salaries feel crushing. The accessible admissions and lower debt make this a particularly practical path for first-generation college students.