Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Boise State University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Boise State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Boise State University graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 51th percentile of all health and physical education/fitness bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Idaho
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Idaho (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | $30,709 | $38,527 | $22,524 | 0.73 |
| Lewis-Clark State College | $33,176 | $47,053 | $21,475 | 0.65 |
| University of Idaho | $27,484 | $45,238 | $25,000 | 0.91 |
| National Median | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Other Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs in Idaho
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Idaho schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston | $7,388 | $33,176 | $21,475 |
| University of Idaho Moscow | $8,816 | $27,484 | $25,000 |
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.