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