Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Texas A&M University-College Station
Bachelor's Degree
tamu.eduAnalysis
Texas A&M's Health and Physical Education program stands out as a strong performer nationally, ranking in the 94th percentile for graduate earnings despite being moderately selective. Starting salaries of $37,044 jump to $58,417 by year four—a 58% increase that reflects solid career progression in education, coaching, and fitness management roles.
The debt picture tells an encouraging story. At $20,414, graduates carry significantly less debt than both national ($25,757) and Texas ($23,658) medians for this field. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a few years of graduation. While the program ranks 60th percentile within Texas—trailing specialty schools like Rice and Lubbock Christian—it delivers substantially better outcomes than most in-state options at a fraction of the cost.
For parents concerned about ROI in education-related fields, this program offers a compelling combination of strong earning potential and reasonable debt. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates provides confidence in these outcomes, and A&M's established reputation opens doors throughout Texas's large education market. Your child would graduate well-positioned for career growth with manageable financial obligations.
Where Texas A&M University-College Station Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas A&M University-College Station graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $37,044 | $58,417 | +58% |
| Southern Methodist University | $45,519 | $70,754 | +55% |
| Rice University | $51,110 | $62,105 | +22% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $35,583 | $57,339 | +61% |
| Abilene Christian University | $27,898 | $55,898 | +100% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (63 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,099 | $37,044 | $58,417 | $20,414 | 0.55 | |
| $58,128 | $51,110 | $62,105 | $10,000 | 0.20 | |
| $27,298 | $46,359 | $29,246 | $27,000 | 0.58 | |
| $64,460 | $45,519 | $70,754 | $20,475 | 0.45 | |
| $35,660 | $40,453 | $42,514 | $30,718 | 0.76 | |
| $9,101 | $40,313 | $49,191 | $22,500 | 0.56 | |
| National Median | — | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Athletic Trainers
Exercise Physiologists
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Coaches and Scouts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Texas A&M University-College Station, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 331 graduates with reported earnings and 456 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.