Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Texas Woman's University

Texas Woman's University graduates in this field start modestly at $32,429, but what happens next is striking: within four years, earnings jump 64% to $53,255. That trajectory outpaces what most health and PE programs deliver, though it means patience during those first lean years when recent grads are likely working as coaches, fitness instructors, or health educators at entry-level pay.

The debt picture looks more manageable than it first appears. While TWU ranks in the 89th percentile nationally for debt, that's because the typical health and PE graduate nationwide carries $25,757—considerably more than TWU's $20,167. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 means graduates owe roughly seven months of their starting salary, which is reasonable for a field where certification requirements often lead to immediate employment. Serving a student body where 40% receive Pell grants, TWU keeps costs relatively contained compared to state peers.

The program sits squarely in the middle of Texas offerings (60th percentile), but those top-performing schools like Rice or SMU attract fundamentally different student profiles and career paths. For students seeking teacher certification or coaching positions—the bread and butter of this degree—TWU delivers solid preparation without excessive debt. The key is whether your child can navigate those first few years on $32,000 while the career builds. If they're comfortable with delayed gratification and understand this is a field where earnings accelerate with experience rather than starting high, the investment pencils out.