Health & Physical Education at Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Health and Physical Education/Fitness
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,428/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (25% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (128,800 openings/yr)
ROI 25.7x earnings multiple (13.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #125 of 529 Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs Top 25%

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 $465K $465K $441K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 25.7x 25.7x 24.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 13.6x 13.6x 12.9x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 42% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$18,128
Out-of-state: $34,128 (13.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,316
-178% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,302
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,898
26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Western Carolina University's Health & Physical Education program produces graduates earning $32,428/yr — within striking distance of the $31,057 national average for this field.

With a 25.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% 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 $24,302 against $32,428/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Western Carolina University ranks #125 among 529 Health & Physical Education programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 26% earnings increase from $32,428 to $40,898 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Western Carolina University

A 87% acceptance rate means Western Carolina University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 9,867 in Cullowhee, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Carolina 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 Western Carolina University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Health & Physical Education at Western Carolina University?
At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Health & Physical Education programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Western Carolina University one of the best schools for Health & Physical Education?
Among 529 Health & Physical Education programs, Western Carolina University's #125 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →