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Parks, Recreation & Leisure · Health & Physical Education Rank #514 of 529

Health & Physical Educationat Shaw University

Graduates earn $18,987/yr in their first year — about 39.0% below the national Health & Physical Education average. Base-case 10-year earnings $378K; scenarios range from $368K to $378K depending on AI disruption.

Raleigh, NC Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
24 AT RISK
25
Optimistic
24
Pessimistic
Earnings
$18,987
1-year post-graduation
ROI
1.8x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$378K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
28% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Shaw University

The financial data for Shaw University's Health and Physical Education/Fitness program suggests a challenging entry into the job market. This isn't necessarily a reflection of the program's quality, but rather an indicator of the initial roles graduates often secure. Many graduates from similar programs, especially from institutions with strong community ties like Shaw, frequently enter public school systems as K-12 physical education teachers or work in local recreation departments, community centers, or non-profit youth organizations. While incredibly rewarding and impactful, these roles typically have more modest starting salaries compared to private sector positions or national averages for the field. The Raleigh-Durham area's labor market, while robust, can also be competitive for entry-level public sector positions.

To maximize your career prospects, actively pursue internships in diverse settings—consider corporate wellness programs, private fitness clubs, or even sports management firms, in addition to traditional school or community placements. Networking extensively with alumni and local employers can open doors to opportunities beyond the most common pathways.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$368K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score24/100
Earnings Multiple5.4x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$378K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score24/100
Earnings Multiple5.5x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$378K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score25/100
Earnings Multiple5.5x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Shaw University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Health & Physical Education graduates typically work

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.

1
Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling
+7.7% 10-yr growth · 5,500 openings/yr
$77,180/yr
Moderate
2
Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary
+2.4% 10-yr growth · 1,100 openings/yr
$75,890/yr
High
3
Athletes and sports competitors
+5.5% 10-yr growth · 2,100 openings/yr
$62,360/yr
Low
4
Athletic trainers
+11.1% 10-yr growth · 2,400 openings/yr
$60,250/yr
Low
5
Exercise physiologists
+9.5% 10-yr growth · 1,700 openings/yr
$58,160/yr
Low
6
Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
+11.9% 10-yr growth · 74,200 openings/yr
$46,180/yr
Low
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Health & Physical Education

How Shaw University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
American Public University System
WV · Private for-profit
60
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
15.4x
ROI
Rice University
TX · Private nonprofit
47
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
2.1x
ROI
Simmons University
MA · Private nonprofit
53
DW Score
$49K
1-yr earn
3.4x
ROI
Lubbock Christian University
TX · Private nonprofit
42
DW Score
$46K
1-yr earn
3.2x
ROI
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
WI · Public
53
DW Score
$46K
1-yr earn
12.8x
ROI
Also at Shaw University

Other top programs at Shaw University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Shaw 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Health & Physical Education at Shaw University

How does Shaw University's Health & Physical Education program score?

This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Health & Physical Education. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do Shaw University Health & Physical Education graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x 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 Shaw University?

Lower starting pay at Shaw University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.