Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Texas A&M University-College Station
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Texas A&M University-College Station graduates compare to all programs nationally
Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 94th percentile of all health and physical education/fitness bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (63 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $37,044 | $58,417 | $20,414 | 0.55 |
| Rice University | $51,110 | $62,105 | $10,000 | 0.20 |
| Lubbock Christian University | $46,359 | $29,246 | $27,000 | 0.58 |
| Southern Methodist University | $45,519 | $70,754 | $20,475 | 0.45 |
| University of the Incarnate Word | $40,453 | $42,514 | $30,718 | 0.76 |
| West Texas A & M University | $40,313 | $49,191 | $22,500 | 0.56 |
| National Median | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Other Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice University Houston | $58,128 | $51,110 | $10,000 |
| Lubbock Christian University Lubbock | $27,298 | $46,359 | $27,000 |
| Southern Methodist University Dallas | $64,460 | $45,519 | $20,475 |
| University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio | $35,660 | $40,453 | $30,718 |
| West Texas A & M University Canyon | $9,101 | $40,313 | $22,500 |
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.