Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of Southern Maine
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
With first-year earnings of $29,478, this program trails not just the national median but falls notably short of Maine's typical outcomes for physical education graduates. Among the state's six programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of comparable Maine programs deliver better starting salaries. Thomas College and Husson University graduates in this field earn roughly $8,000-9,000 more annually right out of the gate, which compounds significantly over time.
The debt load of $25,500 sits near national norms, but context matters here. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 means graduates are borrowing nearly a full year's salary, and they're doing so for below-average outcomes in their home state. Physical education degrees often lead to teaching positions with union-negotiated pay scales, so the $6,000 gap between USM and Maine's median suggests graduates may be facing delays in finding full-time positions or settling for lower-tier opportunities.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes heavily influence these numbers, so they could shift year to year. However, if your child is set on this field in Maine, the data suggests exploring the higher-performing programs first. At minimum, investigate why USM's outcomes lag behind competitors—whether it's placement support, credential preparation, or regional job market access—before committing.
Where University of Southern Maine Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Southern Maine graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Southern Maine graduates earn $29k, placing them in the 41th percentile of all health and physical education/fitness bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Maine
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maine (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern Maine | $29,478 | — | $25,500 | 0.87 |
| Thomas College | $38,348 | — | $27,000 | 0.70 |
| Husson University | $37,993 | — | $28,769 | 0.76 |
| Saint Joseph's College of Maine | $35,341 | $39,986 | $27,000 | 0.76 |
| University of New England | $31,749 | $66,824 | $27,000 | 0.85 |
| National Median | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Other Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs in Maine
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Maine schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas College Waterville | $30,896 | $38,348 | $27,000 |
| Husson University Bangor | $22,194 | $37,993 | $28,769 |
| Saint Joseph's College of Maine Standish | $42,834 | $35,341 | $27,000 |
| University of New England Biddeford | $42,550 | $31,749 | $27,000 |
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 Southern Maine, approximately 26% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.