Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Missouri State University-Springfield

Missouri State's health and physical education program shows a rough start but impressive recovery. That first-year salary of $29,761 sits below both the Missouri median ($33,892) and ranks in just the 40th percentile statewide—trailing programs at Missouri Baptist, Missouri Western, and several other state schools by $4,000-7,000. However, by year four, earnings jump 53% to $45,545, suggesting graduates successfully transition from entry-level positions (likely assistant coaching or fitness instructor roles) into better-paying teaching positions or program director roles.

The $22,876 debt load is manageable relative to that challenging first year—at 0.77 times initial earnings, it's lower than what many graduates in this field carry. This matters during those lean early years when you're likely making ends meet on a modest paycheck. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these numbers without the volatility you'd see with smaller cohorts.

For families considering this program: be prepared to support your child financially during that first year or two after graduation, as starting salaries in physical education are genuinely tight. The strong earnings growth suggests the degree opens doors over time, but those doors don't swing wide immediately. If your student is passionate about coaching or teaching physical education and willing to weather the initial career phase, the investment pencils out—just don't expect early financial independence.