Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Shaw University

Shaw University's health and physical education program shows troubling outcomes that warrant serious concern, though the small graduating class (under 30) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Graduates earn just $18,987 in their first year—barely above minimum wage—while carrying $30,500 in debt. This lands in the bottom 10% both nationally and within North Carolina, where even the state median sits at $27,624.

The comparison to other NC programs is particularly stark: top programs like Meredith College and UNC Charlotte produce graduates earning nearly double what Shaw graduates make, often with similar or lower debt loads. With debt exceeding first-year earnings by 61%, graduates face monthly payments that will consume a substantial portion of their take-home pay. For a field that typically leads to teaching or coaching positions with modest but stable salaries, starting this far behind is a significant disadvantage.

Given that 65% of Shaw students receive Pell grants, many are counting on this degree to improve their economic circumstances. The data suggests this particular program isn't delivering on that promise. Unless there are specific circumstances—strong coaching connections, guaranteed job placement, or immediate graduate school plans that will boost earnings—parents should consider other NC programs where the financial return is substantially better.