Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Western New England University

At $26,544 one year after graduation, Western New England University's Health and Physical Education program ranks in the bottom quarter of similar programs in Massachusetts—nearly $7,000 below the state median and $11,000 behind nearby UMass-Amherst. That's a significant gap in a state where this field already pays modestly. The $27,000 in median debt means graduates will face a full year's salary in loans, making those first few years financially tight even with manageable monthly payments.

The program does stand out in one way: its debt level is lower than 95% of health and PE programs nationally, suggesting Western New England keeps costs relatively contained compared to peers. But that advantage gets overshadowed by the earnings shortfall. When neighboring Fitchburg State graduates earn $37,000—40% more—while carrying the same debt load, the value calculation becomes harder to justify.

For a student passionate about teaching PE or fitness training, this degree can open doors, but the financial runway will be narrow. Parents should know their child will likely need to live frugally for several years post-graduation, and that higher-paying opportunities in Massachusetts appear accessible through other state universities at similar or lower cost.