Health and Physical Education/Fitness at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Cal Poly Humboldt's Health and Physical Education program starts graduates at just $24,660—among the lowest in the nation for this degree—but here's the crucial context: within four years, earnings jump 65% to $40,750, placing graduates well above both the national and California medians. That first-year figure is misleading because many graduates likely pursue teaching credentials or graduate programs before entering full-time positions. Among California's 48 programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile initially, but the trajectory matters more than the starting point.

The $20,113 in typical debt is actually below California's median for this program ($19,870) and substantially lower than the national average of nearly $26,000. With a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0 even in that challenging first year, graduates face manageable payments while they establish themselves. The university serves a large population of Pell Grant recipients (46%), suggesting many students from modest backgrounds successfully complete this program without crushing debt loads.

The bottom line: this program works if your child understands the timeline. Year one will be tight financially, but by year four they're earning more than most peers nationally while carrying less debt. For families prioritizing long-term outcomes over immediate income, especially those planning for teaching or coaching careers that require additional certifications, this represents solid value.