Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,603
63rd percentile
60th percentile in New Hampshire
Median Debt
$27,000
5% above national median

Analysis

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 $41,557β€”solid 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 quicklyβ€”that 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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of New Hampshire-Main CampusDurham$19,112$32,603$41,557$27,0000.83
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester$16,450$39,092$38,971$27,0000.69
Plymouth State UniversityPlymouth$14,558$33,293$50,018$27,0000.81
Colby-Sawyer CollegeNew London$18,400$30,804$41,675$27,0000.88
Keene State CollegeKeene$14,710$29,990β€”$26,8920.90
National Medianβ€”$30,554β€”$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 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.