Health & Physical Education at Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Health and Physical Education/Fitness
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
37
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,038/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (25% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (128,800 openings/yr)
ROI 13.6x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #269 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 $606K $605K $556K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.7x 13.6x 12.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.4x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 42% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 37 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,332
Out-of-state: $94,732 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,092
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,375
13.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,285
158% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,038 per year, Health & Physical Education graduates from Western Colorado University earn below the $31,057 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 13.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 25% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,375 debt load exceeds a year of the $21,038 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #269 out of 529 programs, Western Colorado University's financial outcomes for Health & Physical Education trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $21,038 to $54,285 over five years (158% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Western Colorado University

With 97% of applicants admitted, Western Colorado University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,653 students in Gunnison, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Colorado 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 Colorado 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

How does Western Colorado University's Health & Physical Education program score?
This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for Health & Physical Education. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Western Colorado University Health & Physical Education graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x 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 Western Colorado University?
Lower starting pay at Western Colorado University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →