Health and Physical Education/Fitness at California State University-Long Beach

The first year after graduation looks brutal—$22,148 puts CSULB's Health and Physical Education program in the bottom 5% nationally—but the trajectory tells a different story. By year four, earnings jump to $49,313, surpassing not just the California median ($28,094) but also the national average by more than 60%. That kind of earnings growth is rare, even if those early years likely mean living with roommates or staying at home.

The debt picture helps cushion the rough start. At $14,551, graduates here borrow about a third less than the state median and nearly half the national average. That low debt means the tough first year is survivable—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 is manageable even on that initial salary, especially compared to programs where students borrow $25,000+ for similar starting pay. The challenge isn't unmanageable debt; it's whether your child can weather those lean early years, possibly working multiple part-time coaching or training jobs before landing a full-time position.

For families choosing between California programs, understand that CSULB ranks in just the 25th percentile statewide—programs at California Baptist and several private schools show stronger earnings from the start. But if your child is committed to physical education or fitness and wants to avoid heavy debt, this program offers a path to solid mid-career earnings without the financial burden that could derail those early years.