Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Prairie View A & M University

Prairie View A&M's health and physical education program starts graduates at just $25,594—well below both the Texas median ($32,429) and national average ($30,554) for this field. That 25th percentile ranking among Texas programs means three-quarters of similar programs in the state produce better initial outcomes. The $28,621 in debt creates an uncomfortable first-year ratio of 1.12, though this is actually slightly better than typical for education-focused programs nationally.

The story improves significantly by year four, when median earnings jump to $39,074—a 53% increase that suggests graduates find their footing in coaching, teaching, or fitness management roles. This later-year figure edges above both state and national medians, indicating the degree does eventually deliver reasonable career outcomes. The university serves a predominantly low-income student body (62% Pell-eligible), which may explain both the conservative starting salaries and the substantial debt load.

For families weighing this program, the question is whether your child can manage that first year or two of tight finances while building toward mid-career stability. If they're considering teaching positions in Texas public schools, those structured salary schedules will eventually provide solid footing. But if immediate earnings matter—say, for managing loan payments—know that this program lags behind most Texas alternatives at the starting gate.