Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $35,955 at James Madison University come in 16% above the national median of $31,057 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs.
The 11.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 25% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $19,500 debt-to-$35,955 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
A #41 ranking out of 529 Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs nationally puts James Madison University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
Earnings growth from $35,955 to $65,422 over five years (82% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.