Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Marshall University

Marshall University's Health and Physical Education program shows an unusual pattern that warrants careful examination: graduates start with barely livable wages of $20,682 their first year out—ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally and well below West Virginia's median of $25,138. However, by year four, earnings jump dramatically to $55,966, more than doubling the state median and substantially exceeding even the top-performing program in West Virginia.

This trajectory suggests graduates may be entering substitute teaching, paraprofessional roles, or part-time positions immediately after graduation, then transitioning into full-time teaching or coaching positions once they gain experience and certification. The $24,000 debt load is manageable relative to the year-four earnings, but that first year poses a real financial challenge—graduates will likely need family support or supplemental income to cover basic expenses while building their careers.

For parents, the key question is whether your child can weather that difficult first year. If they're willing to work multiple jobs initially or can live at home during the transition period, the mid-career earnings make this a solid investment for students committed to teaching or coaching in West Virginia. However, if immediate financial independence is necessary after graduation, this program's rocky start could create genuine hardship despite its strong long-term outcomes.