Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Augusta University

Augusta University's Health and Physical Education program starts rough but shows notable momentum. Fresh graduates earn just $27,490—about $2,000 below Georgia's median and $3,000 below the national average for this field. That puts you in the bottom quarter nationally, which matters when entry-level PE teaching or coaching positions typically don't pay much to begin with.

The encouraging part is the trajectory: earnings jump 30% to reach $35,745 by year four, eventually climbing above both state and national benchmarks. With manageable debt around $26,000 (essentially one year's starting salary), graduates aren't facing a crushing burden while they work their way up. The 40th percentile ranking within Georgia suggests this is a middle-of-the-pack option statewide—better than half your alternatives, but clearly behind flagship programs like UGA and emerging competitors like University of North Georgia.

For families, the central question is whether you can afford that difficult first year or two. If your child can live at home, stay on a family insurance plan, or supplement with summer coaching gigs, this becomes more workable. The growth pattern suggests graduates are advancing into head coaching positions, athletic director roles, or specialized fitness careers that pay better than entry-level teaching. Just understand you're buying potential rather than immediate returns—this isn't a program where graduates walk into comfortable salaries right away.