Health and Physical Education/Fitness at California State University-Dominguez Hills

Cal State Dominguez Hills' health and physical education program starts its graduates at a remarkably low $25,349—about $5,000 below California's median for this field and nearly $5,000 below the national average. That's concerning for any bachelor's degree, but the picture improves significantly over time. By year four, earnings jump 41% to $35,834, ultimately surpassing both state and national medians. This pattern suggests graduates may be starting in entry-level positions (perhaps substitute teaching or assistant coaching roles) before moving into full-time teaching or fitness management positions with benefits.

The modest debt load of $17,318 provides some cushion during those lean early years—it's well below both state and California averages, and the 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates aren't drowning financially while they gain traction. The school serves a predominantly working-class population (61% receive Pell grants), and keeping debt low matters tremendously for these students even if starting salaries lag behind pricier California programs.

The key question is whether your child can weather that difficult first year or two on $25,000 in an expensive state. If they're living at home or have financial support during the transition period, this becomes a reasonable path into teaching or fitness careers. But if they need immediate financial independence, that starting salary will be a serious struggle in Southern California.