Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State's Health and Physical Education program outperforms most alternatives in Tennessee, sitting in the 60th percentile statewide—a meaningful advantage when the state median for this field is just $28,069. With first-year earnings of $32,966 and manageable debt of $23,500, graduates face a debt load equivalent to just 71% of their starting salary, below what most education-focused programs deliver. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these numbers reliable, not a statistical fluke.

What stands out here is the trajectory: earnings jump 28% by year four to $42,215, suggesting graduates aren't stuck in entry-level teaching or coaching positions. This growth rate indicates real career advancement, whether that's moving into administrative roles, specialized training positions, or full-time physical education jobs with better pay scales. Among Tennessee's 31 programs in this field, only Tennessee Tech clearly beats MTSU's outcomes, and by less than $300 annually.

For families worried about the earning potential of education degrees, this program offers a viable path. The debt is reasonable enough to manage on a teacher's salary, and the upward earnings trend shows graduates aren't locked into low-wage positions. If your child is committed to physical education or fitness careers and wants to stay in Tennessee, MTSU delivers better-than-average preparation at a price that won't create financial stress.