Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in Kentucky

Northern Kentucky University graduates earn $39,729 after completing their Health and Physical Education programs, significantly outpacing the state average while maintaining a net price of just $7,168. This earnings gap highlights how location and industry connections shape career outcomes in Kentucky's fitness sector. The state's healthcare industry, anchored by Humana and numerous regional medical centers, creates steady demand for fitness professionals who understand wellness programming and rehabilitation support. Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with five of the top six spots offering net prices under $11,000. However, the earnings spectrum varies dramatically, from $20,140 to nearly $40,000, suggesting that program focus and geographic placement matter considerably. Kentucky's 18 programs serve students across varied regions, from Louisville's urban health systems to rural communities where physical education teachers often wear multiple hats in school athletics and community wellness initiatives.

Programs

$4,483 – $36,431

Net Price Range

$28,075

Avg. Program Earnings

51.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, Kentucky	$7,168	$39,729	$10,896	48.3%	86.0%
2	Morehead State University Morehead, Kentucky	$10,089	$30,305	$9,838	47.7%	84.0%
3	Murray State University Murray, Kentucky	$9,121	$25,194	$9,708	59.5%	84.0%
4	Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, Kentucky	$9,962	$25,967	$10,130	49.7%	64.3%
5	Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, Kentucky	$10,916	$28,443	$11,436	53.7%	97.0%
6	University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, Kentucky	$11,286	$20,140	$9,875	46.2%	83.0%
7	University of Louisville Louisville, Kentucky	$17,634	$31,196	$12,828	60.7%	81.5%
8	Midway University Midway, Kentucky	$23,863	$33,993	$26,080	46.4%	93.8%
9	Bellarmine University Louisville, Kentucky	$23,587	$29,685	$47,180	67.7%	87.8%
10	Union College Barbourville, Kentucky	$23,906	$24,035	$30,946	36.0%	53.4%
11	Asbury University Wilmore, Kentucky	$20,428	$20,140	$33,640	65.0%	78.7%
12	Georgetown College Georgetown, Kentucky	$13,485		$42,010	47.5%	71.5%
13	Kentucky Wesleyan College Owensboro, Kentucky	$36,431		$33,393	52.6%	68.6%
14	Alice Lloyd College Pippa Passes, Kentucky	$17,839		$14,080	26.4%	98.3%
15	Campbellsville University Campbellsville, Kentucky	$18,246		$26,990	47.1%
16	Berea College Berea, Kentucky	$4,483		$49,326	62.0%	24.6%
17	Thomas More University Crestview Hills, Kentucky	$20,701		$38,400	40.1%	94.2%
18	Transylvania University Lexington, Kentucky	$23,560		$44,980	69.8%	90.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $19,589 earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying programs?

Northern Kentucky University graduates earn $39,729 compared to $20,140 at University of the Cumberlands and Asbury University. Geographic proximity to Cincinnati's healthcare corridor and Louisville's Humana headquarters creates more lucrative opportunities for NKU graduates. The lower-earning programs often prepare students for teaching roles in rural districts where salaries reflect local economic conditions. Program specialization also matters, with exercise science tracks typically leading to higher-paying clinical and corporate wellness positions.

How do public university costs compare to private options for this major?

Public universities claim six of the seven most affordable spots, with net prices ranging from $7,168 to $17,634. Private institutions like Kentucky Wesleyan College charge $36,431, while Bellarmine University's net price reaches $23,587. However, some private schools offer competitive value through generous aid packages, with University of the Cumberlands achieving a $11,286 net price. The 48-student graduation rate spread suggests that cost savings at public institutions may come with different support structures.

Is debt load manageable for Kentucky fitness program graduates?

Graduate debt ranges from $19,587 to $25,841 across reporting institutions, remaining relatively consistent regardless of public or private status. Murray State University graduates carry $22,925 in debt while earning $25,194, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. University of Louisville graduates face $20,311 in debt against $31,196 earnings, offering better financial positioning. These debt levels align with national trends for education-focused health programs where starting salaries typically increase with experience and additional certifications.

Where do graduation rates indicate the strongest program support?

Bellarmine University leads with a 67.7% graduation rate, followed by University of Louisville at 60.7% and Murray State at 59.5%. These rates reflect institutional resources and student support systems that help students navigate demanding coursework combining anatomy, kinesiology, and education methods. Alice Lloyd College's 26.4% rate represents the lowest among reporting schools, while most programs cluster between 46% and 53%. Higher graduation rates often correlate with better faculty-to-student ratios and more structured practicum opportunities in Kentucky's healthcare and education sectors.

More Health and Physical Education/Fitness Rankings

Cheapest Health and Physical Education/Fitness in Kentucky Health and Physical Education/Fitness Under $20,000 in Kentucky

All Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs Best Colleges in Kentucky Best Health and Physical Education/Fitness in Kentucky

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