Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Azusa Pacific University

Earning just over $22,000 a year after graduation places Azusa Pacific's Health and Physical Education program in the bottom 5% nationally—a concerning figure when measured against the national median of $30,554. While this program performs slightly better within California (25th percentile), graduates still earn about $6,000 less than the typical California program in this field. The debt level of $23,000 is reasonable by national standards, but when paired with such low starting salaries, it creates a nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio that will make loan repayment challenging in the early years.

The gap between this program and California's stronger options is substantial. Top performers like Ashford University ($44,513) and California Baptist University ($35,328) deliver earnings roughly 60-90% higher, suggesting the difference lies more in program outcomes than general field limitations. Even the state median of $28,094 represents 26% more earning power.

For a parent considering this program, the question is whether your child has a clear path to higher-paying roles in fitness, coaching, or wellness that might justify the modest initial returns. If they're planning graduate work or have specific career goals that build on this foundation, it could make sense. But if they're expecting to immediately support themselves on these entry-level earnings, this represents a financially difficult starting point, even with moderate debt.