Health and Physical Education/Fitness at St. Mary's University

St. Mary's students start significantly behind—that $27,978 first-year salary sits well below both the state median ($32,429) and national benchmark ($30,554). This program ranks in the 40th percentile among Texas physical education programs, meaning 60% of similar in-state options produce higher earnings. The gap is stark when you see that Rice and Lubbock Christian graduates earn nearly double in their first year.

The modest debt load of $23,250 keeps this from being a complete financial trap, especially compared to the national median of $25,757. The 50% earnings growth to nearly $42,000 by year four shows real trajectory, though graduates still lag behind what many programs deliver from day one. For a family considering Texas options, this isn't the worst outcome—you're not burying your child in debt—but several public universities in the state offer notably stronger earning potential in this field.

Important caveat: these figures come from a very small group of graduates, so individual outcomes could vary widely. For students passionate about coaching or fitness instruction and committed to St. Mary's community, the manageable debt makes this workable. But if maximizing early earnings matters, particularly in a field that doesn't always require private school credentials, other Texas programs deliver better financial returns.