Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduates enter a growing field focused on promoting wellness and active lifestyles. With an average starting salary of $29,754, graduates typically work as physical education teachers, fitness trainers, wellness coordinators, or community health educators.
When evaluating programs among the 547 schools offering this major, students should prioritize hands-on experience through internships and practicum opportunities. Look for curricula that balance exercise science fundamentals with practical teaching methods. Strong programs feature well-equipped fitness facilities, opportunities for professional certifications, and connections to local schools or health organizations. Consider faculty expertise in areas like kinesiology, sports psychology, and adapted physical education to ensure comprehensive preparation for diverse career paths in health promotion and education.
When evaluating programs among the 547 schools offering this major, students should prioritize hands-on experience through internships and practicum opportunities. Look for curricula that balance exercise science fundamentals with practical teaching methods. Strong programs feature well-equipped fitness facilities, opportunities for professional certifications, and connections to local schools or health organizations. Consider faculty expertise in areas like kinesiology, sports psychology, and adapted physical education to ensure comprehensive preparation for diverse career paths in health promotion and education.
25
Schools Ranked
$41,014
Avg. Program Earnings
60.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate
Top 25 Schools
| # | School | Median Earnings | Graduation Rate | School Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
National University
San Diego, California
|
$50,856 | 50.0% | private-nonprofit |
| 2 |
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas
|
$49,625 | 83.3% | private-nonprofit |
| 3 |
University of Dayton
Dayton, Ohio
|
$43,798 | 81.5% | private-nonprofit |
| 4 |
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
|
$43,798 | 43.0% | public |
| 5 |
Dickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota
|
$42,682 | 43.4% | public |
| 6 |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
|
$42,495 | 93.2% | public |
| 7 |
Simpson College
Indianola, Iowa
|
$42,012 | 65.7% | private-nonprofit |
| 8 |
Louisiana Christian University
Pineville, Louisiana
|
$41,565 | 41.3% | private-nonprofit |
| 9 |
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
|
$41,342 | 72.8% | public |
| 10 |
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, Florida
|
$40,485 | 56.0% | public |
| 11 |
Luther College
Decorah, Iowa
|
$39,927 | 75.0% | private-nonprofit |
| 12 |
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, Texas
|
$39,909 | 41.3% | public |
| 13 |
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky
|
$39,729 | 48.3% | public |
| 14 |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
|
$39,523 | 83.2% | public |
| 15 |
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
|
$39,489 | 91.5% | public |
| 16 |
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, Florida
|
$39,489 | 77.7% | public |
| 17 |
Endicott College
Beverly, Massachusetts
|
$39,369 | 75.4% | private-nonprofit |
| 18 |
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, Iowa
|
$39,009 | 47.3% | private-nonprofit |
| 19 |
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
|
$39,009 | 75.6% | private-nonprofit |
| 20 |
Texas A & M University-Kingsville
Kingsville, Texas
|
$39,009 | 45.6% | public |
| 21 |
Ashford University
San Diego, California
|
$38,878 | 8.8% | private-forprofit |
| 22 |
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, Arkansas
|
$38,491 | 53.3% | public |
| 23 |
Ashland University
Ashland, Ohio
|
$38,289 | 60.6% | private-nonprofit |
| 24 |
Southern Nazarene University
Bethany, Oklahoma
|
$38,289 | 48.8% | private-nonprofit |
| 25 |
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston, Texas
|
$38,289 | 50.9% | public |
Browse all Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs →
Cost & Value
Related Guides
See our methodology for how rankings are calculated.