Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Longwood University

Longwood University's Health and Physical Education program stands out significantly in a field often plagued by weak earnings. First-year graduates earn $39,479—landing in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile in Virginia, where they outpace programs at James Madison and George Mason. With just $27,000 in debt (below the national median), the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 is exceptionally manageable for an education-adjacent field.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. Four years out, median earnings reach nearly $49,000—a 24% increase that suggests graduates are advancing into coaching, athletic administration, or related positions rather than staying stuck at entry-level pay. This growth pattern, combined with the low debt burden, creates genuine financial breathing room. Virginia's relatively modest cost of living amplifies these advantages.

Context matters here: the typical health and physical education graduate nationwide earns just $30,554 their first year, making Longwood's premium nearly $9,000 above that benchmark. For families weighing an 85% acceptance rate school, these outcomes demonstrate that selectivity doesn't determine earning power. If your child is committed to this field—teaching PE, coaching, or working in fitness—Longwood delivers solid preparation with debt that won't derail their twenties.