Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Anderson University

Anderson University's Health and Physical Education program starts graduates at just $27,340—below both the national median ($30,554) and barely under South Carolina's median ($27,728). While that places it at the 40th percentile statewide, it still means half of comparable SC programs launch graduates with higher earnings. The $27,000 debt load, though exactly matching the state median, creates a concerning 0.99 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one—nearly dollar-for-dollar what graduates make.

The strongest argument here is the 36% earnings growth to $37,230 by year four, which outpaces inflation and suggests this degree has some professional trajectory. That eventual income closes the debt-to-earnings gap to a more reasonable 0.73. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year, and you're essentially betting on limited data.

For a family considering this program, recognize you're looking at below-average starting earnings in a field that doesn't typically command high salaries. The top SC programs like The Citadel ($43,727) and USC-Columbia ($40,702) demonstrate significantly better outcomes. If your child is set on this career path and Anderson specifically, the four-year trajectory offers some reassurance. But if flexibility exists, exploring those higher-performing programs—or being prepared to support your graduate through lean early years—would be prudent.