Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Eastern Connecticut State University

Eastern Connecticut State University's health and physical education program starts graduates at $34,132—above both the national median ($30,554) and Connecticut's median ($32,586) for this field. More importantly, earnings jump 26% by year four to reach $42,899, suggesting graduates successfully transition from entry-level positions into roles with better compensation. This trajectory outpaces most comparable programs nationally, landing Eastern Connecticut in the 73rd percentile for earnings despite the state's crowded marketplace of 13 competing programs.

The $25,500 in typical debt sits right at national norms, creating a manageable 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates can handle within standard repayment timelines. While Eastern Connecticut doesn't lead the state—Central Connecticut edges ahead with $35,701 starting salaries—it performs competitively against UConn's various campuses and costs less to attend as a regional state university. The moderate sample size of graduates suggests stable, consistent outcomes rather than outliers driving the numbers.

For families seeking an affordable path into physical education, coaching, or fitness management careers, Eastern Connecticut delivers solid value. Graduates earn more than three-quarters of their peers nationally while avoiding excessive debt, and the strong four-year earnings growth indicates the degree opens doors beyond just entry-level teaching positions.