Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (44 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Gardner-Webb University$43,815
Meredith College$38,525$26,0000.67
University of North Carolina at Charlotte$34,219$40,186$26,0000.76
North Carolina State University at Raleigh$33,717$61,801$21,5000.64
Western Carolina University$32,428$36,053$25,0000.77
Campbell University$32,167$42,327$25,2500.78
National Median$30,554$25,7570.84

Other Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs in North Carolina

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Meredith College
Raleigh
$43,936$38,525$26,000
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte
$7,214$34,219$26,000
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh
$8,895$33,717$21,500
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee
$4,532$32,428$25,000
Campbell University
Buies Creek
$40,410$32,167$25,250

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 Gardner-Webb University, approximately 27% 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.