Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Huntingdon College

Is a health and physical education degree worth nearly $27,000 in debt when it leads to $28,469 in first-year earnings? At Huntingdon College, graduates face this exact question. The program sits squarely in the middle of Alabama's offerings—40th percentile statewide—but trails the state median by about $600 annually. More concerning, it falls well short of what larger public institutions deliver: Auburn Montgomery and Troy graduates earn roughly $8,000 more right out of the gate with similar debt loads.

The 19% earnings growth over four years brings graduates to $33,761, which approaches the national median and suggests reasonable career progression. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.94 is manageable compared to many programs, and the relatively low debt burden (29th percentile nationally) means graduates aren't starting their careers underwater. For students committed to teaching physical education or fitness careers in Alabama, these numbers represent a feasible path forward.

However, families should recognize they're paying private college tuition for outcomes that Alabama's public universities typically deliver more cost-effectively. Unless Huntingdon offers specific advantages—smaller class sizes, particular coaching certifications, or strong local networking—prospective students might achieve better financial outcomes at Auburn Montgomery or Troy, where earnings start higher and debt levels remain comparable.