Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Colby-Sawyer College

Colby-Sawyer's Health and Physical Education program starts below the state median but demonstrates impressive trajectory, with earnings jumping 35% to $41,675 by year four. That growth pattern stands out in a field where many graduates plateau early. However, the first-year salary of $30,804 trails most other New Hampshire programs—notably falling $8,000 short of Southern New Hampshire University's outcomes and even below nearby Plymouth State's $33,293.

The $27,000 debt load matches the state median and represents one of the lowest levels nationally for this major (5th percentile). That means your child would face manageable monthly payments, even during those leaner early-career years. The 0.88 debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable for education-adjacent fields, though it's worth noting that graduates here earn less initially than peers at three of the four other NH programs.

For families willing to invest in longer-term development, this program offers a solid foundation with strong earnings acceleration. But if your child needs higher starting pay—perhaps to support themselves immediately or pay down debt faster—the state's other options deliver $2,000-$8,000 more right out of the gate. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests these numbers are reliable, though outcomes for individual students will vary based on whether they pursue teaching, coaching, corporate wellness, or other career paths within the field.