Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of New England

The standout feature here isn't the modest $31,749 starting salary—it's the remarkable 111% earnings jump to $66,824 by year four. This dramatic growth trajectory suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into higher-paying roles, likely moving from entry-level fitness or teaching positions into administration, specialized training, or related healthcare fields. With debt of just $27,000 (5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of comparable programs leave students with more debt), the financial foundation is solid even during those leaner early years.

The Maine context requires some nuance. While this program ranks at the 40th percentile statewide—trailing Thomas College and Husson by about $6,000 at graduation—that initial gap becomes irrelevant given the four-year earnings trajectory. The real question is whether graduates are achieving those higher earnings by staying in Maine or relocating to higher-wage markets, which matters for students with geographic constraints.

For families willing to weather a modest first year or two while their graduate builds experience, this represents a strong investment. The low debt load means those early-career years won't be financially crippling, and the earnings growth suggests the program effectively prepares students for career advancement. Just ensure your student understands they're likely signing up for a build-it-over-time career path rather than immediate financial returns.