Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire's Health and Physical Education program commands a premium debt load—$27,000 at graduation—yet delivers earnings of around $39,000 that essentially flatline through year four. That's a concerning pattern for a program at an institution with a 96% admission rate and nearly half its students on Pell grants. While these earnings rank impressively at the 95th percentile nationally for this field, that mostly reflects how poorly most phys ed programs pay: the national median is just $30,554. Within New Hampshire, SNHU lands at the 60th percentile, meaning half of in-state competitors produce similar or better outcomes, often at lower cost.

The real issue here is the lack of earnings growth. Graduates start at $39,092 and are making virtually the same amount ($38,971) four years later, suggesting they're hitting a ceiling quickly—likely in teaching or fitness roles with limited advancement. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 isn't catastrophic, but it's meaningful for someone earning under $40,000, especially if those earnings stay stagnant.

For parents considering this program, the calculation is straightforward: your child will likely earn decent money relative to other phys ed majors, but they'll be carrying substantial debt into a career with limited financial upside. If they're passionate about fitness or teaching and understand they're prioritizing impact over income growth, the program works. But if career flexibility or earning potential matters, this investment deserves serious scrutiny.