Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
unh.eduAnalysis
UNH's Health and Physical Education program matches the New Hampshire median for earnings, placing right in the middle of the state's offerings, but the real story is what happens after that first year. Graduates see their income jump 28% by year four, reaching $41,557βsolid momentum in a field where many programs plateau early. The $27,000 debt load equals only 83% of first-year earnings, one of the lowest ratios you'll see for this major nationally, meaning graduates aren't drowning in payments while building their careers. Among the eight New Hampshire schools offering this program, UNH sits comfortably in the upper half, though Southern New Hampshire pulls ahead with significantly higher starting salaries.
The catch is that first-year salary of $32,603, which reflects the reality of starting in education or fitness roles. However, graduates appear to find their footing relatively quicklyβthat four-year trajectory suggests they're moving into positions with better pay, whether through advanced teaching roles, athletic administration, or specialized training positions. With an 87% admission rate, this isn't a highly selective program, but the debt-to-earnings balance means it won't lock students into financial stress.
For families comfortable with a modest starting salary in exchange for manageable debt and clear growth potential, UNH delivers a workable path. If your student needs higher immediate earnings, you'll want to look at Southern New Hampshire's program instead.
Where University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of New Hampshire-Main Campus 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | $32,603 | $41,557 | +27% |
| Pepperdine University | $34,388 | $72,554 | +111% |
| Plymouth State University | $33,293 | $50,018 | +50% |
| Colby-Sawyer College | $30,804 | $41,675 | +35% |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $39,092 | $38,971 | -0% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,112 | $32,603 | $41,557 | $27,000 | 0.83 | |
| $16,450 | $39,092 | $38,971 | $27,000 | 0.69 | |
| $14,558 | $33,293 | $50,018 | $27,000 | 0.81 | |
| $18,400 | $30,804 | $41,675 | $27,000 | 0.88 | |
| $14,710 | $29,990 | β | $26,892 | 0.90 | |
| National Median | β | $30,554 | β | $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 University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, approximately 18% 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 50 graduates with reported earnings and 66 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.