Analysis
Buena Vista's Health and Physical Education program sits in an unusual position—near the top nationally (95th percentile) yet middle-of-the-pack in Iowa (60th percentile). That tells you something important: Iowa produces exceptionally strong outcomes in this field. With first-year earnings of $38,356 jumping to $51,571 by year four, graduates here see 35% income growth that substantially outpaces the national norm of $30,554.
The debt picture looks manageable at $27,000, which matches the Iowa median exactly and sits well below national levels. A 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than their first year's salary—a reasonable threshold for education degrees where passion often matters as much as pay. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly with just a few outliers in either direction.
For parents considering this program, the key question is whether your child plans to stay in Iowa or the Midwest. The strong earnings growth and solid debt management suggest graduates find good opportunities, likely in teaching and coaching roles where experience brings meaningful salary bumps. Just remember these numbers represent a tiny cohort, so individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs.
Where Buena Vista University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Buena Vista University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buena Vista University | $38,356 | $51,571 | +34% |
| Iowa State University | $36,492 | $53,773 | +47% |
| University of Iowa | $31,998 | $52,028 | +63% |
| Simpson College | $38,158 | $51,909 | +36% |
| Grand View University | $36,495 | $49,457 | +36% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Buena Vista UniversityStorm Lake | $40,190 | $38,356 | $51,571 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
 Simpson CollegeIndianola | $46,212 | $38,158 | $51,909 | $27,000 | 0.71 |
 University of DubuqueDubuque | $40,065 | $37,528 | $46,564 | $27,560 | 0.73 |
 Grand View UniversityDes Moines | $33,450 | $36,495 | $49,457 | $26,921 | 0.74 |
 Iowa State UniversityAmes | $10,497 | $36,492 | $53,773 | $25,425 | 0.70 |
 Central CollegePella | $20,988 | $35,914 | $38,860 | $27,000 | 0.75 |
| National Median | — | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Athletic Trainers
Exercise Physiologists
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Coaches and Scouts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Buena Vista University, approximately 43% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.