Health & Physical Educationat Southern Methodist University
Graduates earn $45,519/yr in their first year — about 47.0% above the national Health & Physical Education average. Base-case 10-year earnings $676K; scenarios range from $615K to $677K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Southern Methodist University
Your strong financial outlook from this program isn't accidental; it reflects a powerful combination of factors. Southern Methodist University's established brand in the affluent Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex opens doors to a professional network and career services often unmatched by other programs. This isn't just about traditional K-12 physical education; the "fitness" component, coupled with SMU's connections, positions you for high-demand roles in corporate wellness, professional sports organizations, and upscale recreation management. The booming DFW economy, home to numerous corporate headquarters and major sports franchises, actively seeks graduates with these skills, driving up earning potential. You'll find opportunities beyond teaching, from managing community sports programs to directing employee wellness initiatives. To capitalize on this, prioritize securing internships with local businesses or sports entities; these hands-on experiences are invaluable for leveraging SMU's pipeline into the region's top employers.
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 Southern Methodist 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 Southern Methodist University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Southern Methodist University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Southern Methodist 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 Southern Methodist University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Health & Physical Education at Southern Methodist University?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Health & Physical Education. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
What makes Southern Methodist University's Health & Physical Education program stand out?
Ranked #76 of 529 programs nationally, Southern Methodist University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.