Hey all. I’m a 29yr old male who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2024. I was in the graduate program to get a masters degree in kinesiology, but has since reconsidered as my debt was increasing to an amount that I am now struggling to come to terms with.
I went back to school later in life after stopping school because I had no direction with the program I initially had intentions on going down the athletic training route but didn’t have the discipline to continue. After two years I decided that I should continue to at least finish and get my bachelors in kinesiology rather than have student loans for a degree I don’t have. At the time my loans were around 40k. Everyone told me to just finish so I can at least have a degree.
I ended up coming back with a new found passion for kinesiology and academics. I ended up graduating cum laude, which was great considering I was formerly a terrible student with bad grades. My professors suggested that I start a graduate program to pursue research. I felt as if that was the only path for me given that I had not interest in doing anything else that a kinesiology degree offered me.
I ended up not enjoying research nearly as much as I thought I would and told myself to cut my losses before I end up with more debt and a masters degree in something thing that may not benefit me without continued education, ie. PhD.
So here I am, saddled with 65k in debt for a kinesiology degree. I don’t have any experience in the field because I had to work full time to sustain myself, I have an apartment with my girlfriend. I feel so lost and scared that I have truly ruined my financial future. I am not sure what the next move is. I felt as if I was trying to make the best decision with what my former self had done. I’m sorry to rant. Just need to share as I feel alone and not sure what to do.
Im considering getting my teacher license to become a teacher, but I would never be able to pay off the loans I have with that salary. I was also considering an accelerated nursing program. I’m just very nervous about taking on more debt. Any guidance or support would be appreciated.
Not sure what to do with kinesiology degree and 65k in loans
byu/DueSun1859 inStudentLoans
Posted by DueSun1859
11 Comments
Look into teaching PE, working as a Personal Trainer, or seeing if your local Public Health Department is hiring.
Just to add more context, these are all federal loans.
What is the interest rate on your loans?
My cousin’s first husband did an accelerated bsn program after kinesiology. She has the same degree and is a VP at a bank.
Insurance companies. Ergonomics
PA
Do you have any interest in a medical career? What about physical therapy? (lots of kinesiology/physiology majors go into PT!) It would be more school, but at the end you can have a career with it. And with federal loans you could look into PSLF (public service loan forgiveness). Just make sure it’s something you really, really want to do before diving in! Physician assistance or similar would make a little more money but it’s also higher stress and responsibility too.
Teach health and PE. Right now, to make immediate money I would get certified to officiate whatever sports you know. Officiating youth sports on weekends can be great money depending on what state you live in. .Now, what sports do you know?
You have continue your education further. Get masters or PhD than you talking.
Get your Masters and a teaching cert. Get a job that qualifies towards a loan forgiveness option, like a public or non-profit school. Do that ten years and get the loans forgiven while building a business of some kind.
Doesn’t even have to be teaching necessarily… Lots of schools have trainers or therapist for their athletic departments.
Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). Strong chance a medical equipment company will hire you and pay for your certification while you log contact hours. You would work alongside PT/OTs specifying customizations for disabled peoples’ powerchairs. ATPs are highly sought after and can earn 6 figures with a just a few good rehab clinics referring patients to you. RESNA’s website will have more details/timing to certification.