Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Post University

Post University's Health and Physical Education program carries concerning debt levels that overshadow modest earnings growth. With graduates borrowing $31,250—more than any of the state's other 12 schools offering this program—students start at just $29,592 annually, below both the Connecticut median ($32,586) and national average ($30,554). While the debt load roughly equals first-year earnings, it significantly exceeds what similar graduates from Central Connecticut State or Eastern Connecticut State take on, both of which produce stronger starting salaries.

The 32% earnings growth to $39,074 by year four offers some redemption, but this improvement doesn't erase the initial disadvantage. Connecticut's public universities deliver comparable outcomes with substantially less debt—Central Connecticut State graduates earn $6,100 more from day one while typically borrowing $8,000 less. For a population where 73% receive Pell grants, this debt burden is particularly troubling given the modest ceiling in fitness education careers.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year, but the pattern is clear: you're paying more for less compared to Connecticut's public alternatives. Unless Post offers compelling non-financial benefits like flexible scheduling for working students, families should seriously explore the state universities first.