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Health & Physical Education at Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Health and Physical Education/Fitness

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $24,829/yr (-20% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (25% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (128,800 openings/yr)

ROI 19.2x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #161 of 529 Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Health & Physical Education graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$580K	$580K	$536K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	19.2x	19.2x	17.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.9x	5.9x	5.5x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	42%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	43	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$30,164

Out-of-state: $98,148 (5.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,948

-119% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,354

9.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$54,550

120% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $24,829 per year, Health & Physical Education graduates from Appalachian State University earn below the $31,057 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 19.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Health & Physical Education career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,354 against $24,829/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #161 ranking among 529 Health & Physical Education programs places Appalachian State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $24,829-to-$54,550 earnings arc over five years reflects a 120% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Appalachian State University

With 89% of applicants admitted, Appalachian State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 19,304 in Boone, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Appalachian State University →

Top Career Paths

Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling $77,180/yr

Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary $75,890/yr

Athletes and sports competitors $62,360/yr

View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Health & Physical Education at Other Schools

Other Majors at Appalachian State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Health & Physical Education at Appalachian State University?

At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Health & Physical Education programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is Appalachian State University a good choice for Health & Physical Education despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Appalachian State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →