Health & Physical Educationat Marshall University
Graduates earn $20,682/yr in their first year — about 33.0% below the national Health & Physical Education average. Base-case 10-year earnings $673K; scenarios range from $613K to $674K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Marshall University
The earnings data for Marshall's Health and Physical Education/Fitness program reflects specific regional dynamics rather than a lack of program quality. Graduates often find meaningful careers within the local labor market, primarily in K-12 education, community recreation, or athletic training roles across West Virginia and surrounding areas. These public-sector or non-profit positions, while incredibly rewarding, are often compensated at rates below national averages due to regional economic factors and public funding structures. Employers like local school districts, community centers, and smaller athletic organizations are common landing spots. Your career here might involve teaching physical education, coaching youth sports, or managing local wellness programs. To maximize your earning potential, consider pursuing dual certification in a high-demand subject or exploring opportunities in corporate wellness or private fitness beyond the immediate region.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Marshall University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Health & Physical Education
How Marshall University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Marshall University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Marshall University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Health & Physical Education offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Health & Physical Education trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Health & Physical Education at Marshall University
How does Marshall University's Health & Physical Education program score?
This program scores 43/100 — on the lower end for Health & Physical Education. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Marshall University Health & Physical Education graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Health & Physical Education earnings lower at Marshall University?
Lower starting pay at Marshall University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.