Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University's Health and Physical Education program shows a troubling first-year picture that parents need to understand clearly. Four years out, graduates earn $44,827—reasonably competitive with the Colorado median of $32,602. But that first year tells a different story: $21,038 puts graduates in the bottom 10% statewide and 5th percentile nationally. This isn't just below average—it's significantly below what graduates earn at CSU-Fort Collins ($35,326) or even regional competitor Colorado Mesa ($31,253). With $25,050 in debt, graduates face more than a full year's salary in obligations right when they can least afford it.

The 113% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests many graduates eventually find their footing, likely moving from part-time coaching or substitute teaching into full-time positions with benefits. That's the optimistic read. The realistic concern is what happens during those early years when loan payments kick in at six months but adequate income may take several years to materialize. This program ranks near the bottom among Colorado's ten health and PE programs for a reason.

If your child is set on teaching PE or coaching in Colorado, they should know they're likely facing years of financial stress before reaching a livable income. Programs at CSU-Fort Collins or Metro State deliver stronger starting salaries that make managing debt immediately more feasible.