Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,709
51st percentile
Median Debt
$22,524
13% below national median

Analysis

Boise State's Health and Physical Education program starts modestly but shows promising momentum, with graduates seeing 26% earnings growth by year four—reaching $38,527. That trajectory matters because the initial $30,709 puts graduates right at the state median, but the year-four earnings pull ahead of what typical grads from this field achieve nationally.

The debt picture requires some consideration. At $22,524, it's lower than the national median for this program, but sits at the 78th percentile nationally—meaning most comparable programs elsewhere carry less debt. Still, with a 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates should be able to manage payments, especially as their salaries climb through their mid-twenties. Among Idaho's five programs in this field, Boise State ranks in the middle at 60th percentile, trailing Lewis-Clark State College but outperforming University of Idaho by year four.

For families considering this path: the program works best if your student plans to stay in education or fitness-related careers with clear advancement potential. The earnings growth suggests graduates are finding ways to move beyond entry-level positions, whether through coaching stipends, specialized certifications, or administrative roles. The debt is manageable but not insignificant—make sure your child understands they'll likely need a few years of career progression before feeling financially comfortable.

Where Boise State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Boise State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Boise State University$30,709$38,527+25%
Pepperdine University$34,388$72,554+111%
Southern Methodist University$45,519$70,754+55%
Lewis-Clark State College$33,176$47,053+42%
University of Idaho$27,484$45,238+65%

Compare to Similar Programs in Idaho

Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Idaho (5 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Boise State UniversityBoise$8,782$30,709$38,527$22,5240.73
Lewis-Clark State CollegeLewiston$7,388$33,176$47,053$21,4750.65
University of IdahoMoscow$8,816$27,484$45,238$25,0000.91
National Median—$30,554—$25,7570.84

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates

Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling

Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Athletes and Sports Competitors

Compete in athletic events.

$62,360/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Athletic Trainers

Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

$60,250/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Exercise Physiologists

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.

$58,160/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.

$46,180/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Coaches and Scouts

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

$45,920/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Boise State University, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 48 graduates with reported earnings and 75 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.