Analysis
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.
Where Wichita State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Wichita State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita State University | $33,449 | $42,046 | +26% |
| University of Kansas | $33,891 | $57,522 | +70% |
| Washburn University | $25,679 | $40,649 | +58% |
| Sterling College | $30,086 | $36,506 | +21% |
| Ottawa University-Ottawa | $30,426 | $32,400 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wichita State UniversityWichita | $9,322 | $33,449 | $42,046 | $23,000 | 0.69 |
 Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg | $8,008 | $36,393 | — | $24,900 | 0.68 |
 University of KansasLawrence | $11,700 | $33,891 | $57,522 | $22,125 | 0.65 |
 Ottawa University-OttawaOttawa | $35,300 | $30,426 | $32,400 | $27,000 | 0.89 |
 Sterling CollegeSterling | $32,200 | $30,086 | $36,506 | $27,250 | 0.91 |
 University of Saint MaryLeavenworth | $33,890 | $29,151 | — | $27,946 | 0.96 |
| National Median | — | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Athletic Trainers
Exercise Physiologists
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Coaches and Scouts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Wichita State University, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 51 graduates with reported earnings and 80 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.