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Health & Physical Education at Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Health and Physical Education/Fitness

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $21,192/yr (-32% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (25% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (128,800 openings/yr)

ROI 3.0x earnings multiple

Ranked #485 of 529 Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Health & Physical Education graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$786K	$784K	$705K
Earnings Multiple	3.0x	3.0x	2.7x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	42%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	26	25

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$259,032

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$114,984

56% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,777

12.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$71,728

238% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $21,192 place Wake Forest University below the $31,057 national median for Health & Physical Education — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 3.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Health & Physical Education career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #485 ranking among 529 Health & Physical Education programs places Wake Forest University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $21,192-to-$71,728 earnings arc over five years reflects a 238% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University accepts 22% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, enrolling 5,471 students in Winston-Salem, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $114,984 over four years — 56% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Wake Forest University →

Top Career Paths

Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling $77,180/yr

Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary $75,890/yr

Athletes and sports competitors $62,360/yr

View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Health & Physical Education at Other Schools

Other Majors at Wake Forest University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Health & Physical Education at Wake Forest University?

At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Health & Physical Education programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Health & Physical Education degree from Wake Forest University?

At $22,777 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Is Wake Forest University a good choice for Health & Physical Education despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Wake Forest University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

What do students actually pay for Health & Physical Education at Wake Forest University?

The 56% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $259,032. At a net cost of $114,984, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →