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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,782 | $30,709 | $38,527 | $22,524 | 0.73 | |
| $7,388 | $33,176 | $47,053 | $21,475 | 0.65 | |
| $8,816 | $27,484 | $45,238 | $25,000 | 0.91 | |
| National Median | — | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Athletic Trainers
Exercise Physiologists
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Coaches and Scouts
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.