Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Lasell University

Lasell University's Health and Physical Education program charges typical debt for this field ($27,000), yet delivers earnings that significantly exceed both national and state expectations. While a $36,606 first-year salary might seem modest in absolute terms, it ranks in the 91st percentile nationally for this program—meaning graduates earn more than nine out of ten peers elsewhere. In Massachusetts specifically, Lasell sits comfortably in the middle of the pack, trailing only larger public universities and Simmons.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 is remarkably favorable for education-adjacent fields, which often struggle with lower starting salaries. More encouraging is the 30% earnings bump by year four, reaching $47,387—a trajectory that suggests these graduates are moving into coaching, wellness program management, or administrative roles rather than remaining stuck at entry-level gym instructor wages. That growth pattern matters for loan repayment.

For families concerned about ROI in a helping profession, this program delivers stronger financial outcomes than typical fitness education degrees without requiring excessive borrowing. The moderate sample size suggests consistent results rather than a few outliers skewing the data. If your child is committed to this career path, Lasell provides a clear route to sustainable earnings.