Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Georgia College & State University

Georgia College's Health and Physical Education program starts slow but delivers one of the strongest earnings trajectories you'll find in this field. That first-year salary of $29,203 looks modest, but by year four, graduates are earning $49,024—a 68% jump that far exceeds typical growth patterns for fitness and PE programs. This trajectory suggests graduates who initially take entry-level positions often move into coaching, athletic training, or administrative roles that pay considerably better.

The $25,000 debt load sits right at national and state medians, making this a manageable investment given the strong mid-career trajectory. While the program ranks around the 40th percentile in Georgia for initial earnings, that year-four figure of $49,024 tells a different story—it substantially outpaces the state's leading programs like UGA and Georgia Southwestern. The concern is whether every graduate achieves this progression or if the data reflects a subset who advance while others plateau.

For parents considering this program, the key question is whether your child has the drive and networking skills to move beyond entry-level fitness or teaching positions. If they're motivated to pursue coaching credentials, graduate certifications in athletic training, or similar advancement paths, this program offers solid value. If they're likely to remain in hourly fitness instructor roles long-term, the initial earnings may be more representative of their future.