Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Ashford University

Ashford's Health and Physical Education program charges premium prices but delivers exceptional earnings outcomes that genuinely justify the cost. Graduates earn $44,513 in their first year—substantially outpacing not just the California median ($28,094) but also the national benchmark ($30,554). In fact, this program ranks in the 95th percentile both nationally and statewide, putting it ahead of more traditional California options like Pepperdine ($34,388) and Saint Mary's ($34,444).

The $38,750 debt load sits well above California's typical burden for this field ($19,870), but the strong earnings create a manageable 0.87 debt-to-income ratio. That means graduates earn more than their total debt in their first year alone—a solid position that many health and fitness programs can't match. The earnings plateau after graduation (essentially flat growth over four years) is worth noting, but starting at $44,500 rather than $30,000 means graduates begin with a meaningful financial cushion.

For parents weighing the higher debt, the calculus is straightforward: your child would enter the workforce earning roughly $16,000 more annually than typical California graduates in this field. That premium translates to faster debt payoff and more financial flexibility early in their career, making this an investment that delivers measurable returns despite the steeper upfront cost.