Health and Physical Education/Fitness at CUNY Queens College

Queens College's Health and Physical Education program shows dramatic earning progression but has an unusual first-year dip that requires context. While graduates earn just $16,236 one year after graduation—far below both the national ($30,554) and New York state ($27,412) medians—their earnings jump to $51,858 by year four. This pattern likely reflects graduates pursuing teaching certifications or additional credentials before entering full-time positions, a common path in physical education.

The $5,500 debt load is exceptionally low—better than 95% of similar programs nationally—which matters tremendously given the weak early earnings. A debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio of 0.34 is manageable precisely because students aren't carrying the $25,000+ debt burdens typical of this field. By year four, when most graduates are established in teaching roles, the economics look much better than initially appears. However, the 10th percentile ranking among New York programs is concerning; comparable SUNY schools like Oneonta and Fredonia show stronger outcomes.

Parents should understand this is a small sample size (under 30 graduates), which makes these numbers less reliable. If your child plans to teach in New York public schools, the four-year earnings are reasonable, and the minimal debt is a genuine advantage. But if stronger PE/fitness programs are accessible—particularly other SUNY options—they may offer more direct pathways to stable employment without the apparent gap year that these numbers suggest.