Health & Physical Education at Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Health and Physical Education/Fitness
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
37
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,676/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (25% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (128,800 openings/yr)
ROI 9.7x earnings multiple (7.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #275 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 $593K $593K $546K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.7x 9.7x 8.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.8x 7.8x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 42% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 37 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,192
Out-of-state: $76,392 (7.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,804
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,375
10.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,472
115% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Western Michigan University's Health & Physical Education program produces graduates earning $26,676/yr — within striking distance of the $31,057 national average for this field.

A 9.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% 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 $23,375 against $26,676/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #275 ranking among 529 Health & Physical Education programs places Western Michigan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,676-to-$57,472 earnings arc over five years reflects a 115% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Michigan University

A 85% acceptance rate means Western Michigan University is accessible to most applicants, serving 12,704 students in Kalamazoo, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan 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 Michigan 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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Health & Physical Education at Western Michigan University?
At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Health & Physical Education programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →