Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery's Health and Physical Education program is performing exceptionally well—ranking in the 90th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among Alabama schools. With first-year earnings of $36,579, graduates earn about $7,500 more than peers at other Alabama institutions and substantially outpace the $30,554 national median. Among Alabama's 17 programs, only Troy University matches this performance level. The $26,500 debt load sits right at the state median, translating to a manageable 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The trajectory here is particularly encouraging. Earnings jump 33% by year four to $48,465, suggesting graduates are advancing into higher-paying roles like athletic directors, wellness coordinators, or specialized training positions rather than staying in entry-level teaching or coaching jobs. This growth pattern is uncommon for PE and fitness programs, which often see flatter earnings curves.

For an accessible state university (93% admission rate), these outcomes represent genuine value. The moderate sample size means results should be reasonably reliable, and the combination of manageable debt with strong earning potential—both immediately and over time—makes this a solid investment. If your child is interested in fitness, athletics, or health education and prefers staying in Alabama, this program delivers outcomes that outperform most alternatives without requiring excessive debt.