Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,044
94th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$20,414
21% below national median

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

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$37,044$58,417$20,4140.55
Rice UniversityHouston$58,128$51,110$62,105$10,0000.20
Lubbock Christian UniversityLubbock$27,298$46,359$29,246$27,0000.58
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas$64,460$45,519$70,754$20,4750.45
University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio$35,660$40,453$42,514$30,7180.76
West Texas A & M UniversityCanyon$9,101$40,313$49,191$22,5000.56
National Median$30,554$25,7570.84

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates

Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling

Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Athletes and Sports Competitors

Compete in athletic events.

$62,360/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Athletic Trainers

Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

$60,250/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Exercise Physiologists

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.

$58,160/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.

$46,180/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Coaches and Scouts

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

$45,920/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.