Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Temple University

Temple's Health and Physical Education program looks weak in year one, with graduates earning just $29,322—below both the national and Pennsylvania medians. However, that initial salary tells an incomplete story. By year four, earnings jump 78% to reach $52,232, surpassing not only typical outcomes for this field but also outpacing every comparison school in Pennsylvania by a significant margin. That kind of growth suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into higher-paying roles like athletic training, corporate wellness, or school administration rather than staying in entry-level coaching positions.

The $26,000 debt load sits right at the national average and slightly below Pennsylvania's typical burden for this program. With earnings nearly doubling debt by year four, the financial picture becomes quite manageable. The challenging first year likely reflects the field's reality—many graduates start in part-time or seasonal coaching roles before building their careers. Parents should ensure their child has financial runway for those initial lean years, whether through savings, part-time work, or living at home.

Temple's accessibility (83% admission rate, reasonable debt) combined with strong mid-career outcomes makes this a solid choice if your child is committed to the field and understands the gradual earnings trajectory. The program clearly provides something—perhaps Temple's Philadelphia network or practical experience—that translates to better opportunities than most Pennsylvania competitors can offer.