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Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Indiana

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Indiana University-Indianapolis leads the state's Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs with graduates earning $34,642 annually, significantly outpacing the lowest earner at $21,508. This $13,000 earnings gap reflects the strength of Indianapolis's healthcare sector, where major employers like Indiana University Health create demand for wellness professionals. Public institutions dominate the value proposition, with net costs ranging from $11,408 to $15,898, while private schools stretch from $12,820 to $25,580. Ball State University stands out with a 63.3% graduation rate and $34,450 in earnings despite a mid-range net cost of $15,898. The state's manufacturing base, led by companies like Cummins, increasingly prioritizes employee wellness programs, creating opportunities beyond traditional school and healthcare settings. Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program adds extra value for qualifying students by covering full tuition costs at public institutions.
27
Programs
$6,276 – $25,580
Net Price Range
$28,215
Avg. Program Earnings
61.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

27 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,408 $34,642 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
2 $12,621 $30,771 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
3 $12,188 $29,685 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
4 $15,898 $34,450 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
5 $15,342 $32,365 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
6 $12,820 $26,896 $27,150 70.0% 55.7%
7 $13,945 $25,194 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
8 $19,268 $28,816 $37,090 44.8% 66.4%
9 $21,583 $31,133 $46,588 67.0% 94.2%
10 $21,826 $30,988 $42,894 63.6% 74.1%
11 $18,748 $26,121 $36,136 55.8% 76.1%
12 $18,406 $24,035 $30,034 69.9% 84.6%
13 $22,144 $25,774 $35,640 49.4% 51.8%
14 $25,580 $29,141 $35,600 67.6% 91.9%
15 $23,594 $25,967 $39,100 60.9% 93.8%
16 $23,069 $25,194 $31,168 66.3% 86.7%
17 $24,546 $25,194 $57,070 80.0% 65.8%
18 $24,327 $21,508 $39,104 76.6% 74.6%
19 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
20 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
21 $21,318 $30,446 31.4% 64.7%
22 $13,710 $29,982 68.2% 77.5%
23 $15,725 $37,760 60.5% 93.5%
24 $22,762 $37,350 63.4% 92.9%
25 $20,230 $42,676 71.3% 76.3%
26 $24,516 $51,840 67.9% 73.2%
27 $19,726 $33,320 57.2% 99.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Indiana University-Indianapolis the top earner for Health and Physical Education graduates?

Graduates from IU Indianapolis earn $34,642 annually, the highest in the state, while maintaining a relatively low net cost of $11,408. The school's location in the state capital provides direct access to Indiana University Health, one of the state's largest employers. With an 82.89% acceptance rate and 53.9% graduation rate, students can access this earning potential without extreme selectivity barriers.

How do public and private school costs compare for this major in Indiana?

Public institutions offer significantly better value, with net costs ranging from $11,408 to $15,898 compared to private schools at $12,820 to $25,580. The lowest-cost option is Oakland City University at $12,820, but public schools like University of Southern Indiana at $12,621 provide comparable pricing. Private schools generally show higher debt loads, with some reaching $27,000 compared to public averages around $21,500.

Is there a correlation between graduation rates and earnings potential?

Schools with higher graduation rates tend to produce better-earning graduates, though exceptions exist. Purdue's 83.1% graduation rate corresponds with solid career preparation, while Ball State's 63.3% rate still yields $34,450 in graduate earnings. Oakland City University shows the strongest graduation rate at 70% among private schools, though earnings remain lower at $26,896.

Does Indiana's manufacturing sector create opportunities for Health and Physical Education graduates?

Major manufacturers like Eli Lilly and Cummins increasingly invest in employee wellness programs, creating demand beyond traditional school settings. Corporate wellness coordinators earn competitive salaries while helping companies reduce healthcare costs and improve productivity. This trend particularly benefits graduates from programs near manufacturing centers like Indianapolis and Terre Haute.

Where can students find the best balance of affordability and career outcomes?

Ball State University offers the optimal balance with $34,450 graduate earnings against a $15,898 net cost, resulting in strong return on investment. Indiana University-Bloomington provides another solid option with $32,365 earnings and $15,342 net cost, plus the highest graduation rate at 81.2%. Both schools significantly outperform their price points compared to private alternatives.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.