Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State's Health and Physical Education program punches well above its weight nationally but sits in the middle of a particularly competitive Massachusetts market. While graduates earn more than 95% of similar programs nationwide, they're landing at the 60th percentile among Bay State schools—roughly $4,000 below the state median of $33,378 and trailing top performers like Simmons ($48,876) and UMass-Boston ($37,703).

The debt picture looks favorable at first glance: $27,000 matches both the state and national median, with a manageable 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio. More importantly, earnings grow solidly over four years—from $37,200 to nearly $49,000, representing 32% growth. That trajectory suggests graduates are advancing into better-paying positions, likely moving from entry-level teaching or fitness roles into specialized instruction, coaching, or athletic administration positions.

The real question for Massachusetts families is whether this program justifies itself against alternatives. At an accessible state university with a 90% admission rate, Fitchburg State offers a reliable path into the field without the premium debt load of private competitors like Springfield College. You're getting dependable outcomes at a reasonable price, even if you're not cracking into the state's top tier. For students focused on coaching, teaching, or fitness careers who want to stay in-state without breaking the bank, this represents solid value—just don't expect the same starting salary bump you'd see at the state's highest-performing programs.