Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Springfield College

Springfield College's health and physical education program stands out for remarkable earnings growth: graduates start at $34,191 but reach $53,187 by year four—a 56% jump that far exceeds typical career trajectories in this field. That four-year figure puts graduates well ahead of the state median and represents genuinely strong earnings for this major. The $27,000 in debt is manageable, ranking in the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with more debt).

The catch is that first year. Starting earnings land in the 74th percentile nationally but only the 60th among Massachusetts programs, suggesting competition from lower-cost state schools that deliver similar initial outcomes. Parents should understand that year one likely involves entry-level coaching, teaching assistant roles, or fitness center positions that don't immediately reflect Springfield's specialized training. The program's value emerges as graduates move into athletic director roles, specialized coaching positions, or higher-paying school districts.

For families who can weather that modest first-year salary, this represents solid value. Springfield's reputation in health and physical education appears to open doors that accelerate mid-career earnings substantially. The debt load won't overwhelm early paychecks, and by year four, graduates are earning enough to pay down loans comfortably while building careers in a field they presumably love.