Health & Physical Educationat Wake Forest University
Graduates earn $21,192/yr in their first year — about 32.0% below the national Health & Physical Education average. Base-case 10-year earnings $784K; scenarios range from $705K to $786K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Wake Forest University
While Wake Forest offers a respected academic experience, the earnings data for this Health and Physical Education/Fitness major suggests a different career trajectory than some of the university's other programs. Many graduates find rewarding careers in K-12 public education, community recreation, or entry-level fitness roles. These paths, while impactful, often have more standardized pay scales, particularly in public service, which can be lower than specialized fields in private industry.
Your education here provides a strong foundation in human health and wellness, often leading to roles at local school districts, YMCAs, university recreation centers, or private gyms. The Wake Forest network is valuable, but in these service-oriented fields, the *field itself* often dictates compensation more than institutional prestige. Consider pairing this degree with specific certifications or pursuing an advanced degree early to specialize in areas like athletic training, physical therapy, or sports management, which can open doors to higher-earning niches.
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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Wake Forest University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest University
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.