Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Bryan College-Dayton

A first-year salary of $27,342 falls short of expectations even in a notoriously underpaid field. Bryan College's Health and Physical Education program sits in the 24th percentile nationally and 40th percentile within Tennessee—meaning six out of ten Tennessee programs deliver better starting salaries. The gap is meaningful: Tennessee Tech grads earn $33,170 right out of the gate, giving them an extra $6,000 annually compared to Bryan College graduates. In a field where many graduates work in schools or fitness facilities with tight pay scales, that differential represents a significant lifestyle difference.

The debt load of $26,077 roughly equals the first-year salary, creating immediate financial pressure on a modest income. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.95 technically falls within manageable territory, it leaves almost no breathing room when you're earning under $28,000 annually. Parents should recognize that their child will likely need financial support during those early years or will face difficult choices about housing and transportation.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty—a few graduates pursuing non-traditional paths could skew these numbers significantly. However, the pattern of underperformance against both state and national benchmarks suggests systemic challenges rather than random variation. For families considering this program, the value proposition only works if Bryan College offers something compelling beyond career earnings—perhaps a faith-based environment or specific mentorship opportunities that justify accepting a financial disadvantage that may persist throughout your child's career.