Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University's Health and Physical Education program performs solidly above both state and national medians, though this is a field where even above-average outcomes remain modest. First-year earnings of $31,846 beat Tennessee's median by nearly $4,000 and edge out the national benchmark—ranking in the 60th percentile among Tennessee programs. The 16% earnings growth to $36,870 by year four shows steady career progression, suggesting graduates find stable positions in teaching, coaching, or fitness management.

The $25,000 debt load sits right at the national median for this major, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79. That means graduates owe less than their first year's salary—a reasonable threshold for a helping profession that doesn't command high starting pay. With 46% of students receiving Pell grants, this program provides an accessible path into education and fitness careers for first-generation and lower-income students who might otherwise struggle to find affordable entry into these fields.

The reality check: you won't get rich teaching PE or working as a fitness coordinator, but this program delivers what it promises without burying graduates in debt. If your child wants to work with students or in community wellness and values job stability over high earnings, Austin Peay offers a cost-effective route into the profession. Just understand you're investing in a service career with middle-class earnings potential, not a ticket to financial abundance.