Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of North Carolina at Pembroke

UNC Pembroke's Health and Physical Education program starts at a concerning $25,623—well below both state and national medians—but the earnings trajectory tells a more encouraging story. Graduates see a 53% jump in earnings by year four, reaching $39,153, which actually surpasses the top-ranked programs in North Carolina for this field. With $26,000 in debt, first-year graduates face an uncomfortable debt-to-earnings ratio just over 1:1, though this burden eases considerably as salaries climb.

The initial earnings lag likely reflects the career path for many education majors: teacher pay scales start low but improve with experience and additional certifications. While this program ranks at just the 40th percentile among North Carolina schools initially, those year-four earnings suggest graduates are finding better opportunities than their peers—whether through coaching supplements, administrative roles, or positions outside traditional teaching. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, making the relatively modest debt load significant for the access this provides.

This program makes sense if you're committed to the field and can manage the financial squeeze of those early years. The debt level is reasonable, and the earnings growth is real. Just understand that year one will be tight, and you'll need a clear plan for navigating those first few years—whether living at home, taking on additional work, or pursuing income-boosting certifications quickly.