Health and Physical Education/Fitness at California State University-Northridge

Cal State Northridge's Health and Physical Education program stands out for keeping debt remarkably low while delivering solid earning potential through impressive growth. With just $15,000 in median debt compared to the national average of $25,757, graduates enter the workforce with minimal financial burden—ranking in the 5th percentile nationally for debt levels.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. While first-year earnings of $27,952 trail both national and California medians, graduates see substantial income growth, reaching $44,385 by year four—a 59% increase that puts them well above typical program outcomes. Among California's 48 schools offering this program, CSUN ranks at the 40th percentile, performing respectably in a competitive state market where top private schools command significantly higher starting salaries.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 creates a manageable financial foundation that many graduates in this field don't enjoy elsewhere. Given that 56% of students receive Pell grants, this program appears to deliver solid value for students from diverse economic backgrounds. While you won't see the immediate high earnings of elite private programs, the combination of low debt and strong earning growth makes this a financially sensible choice for students committed to health and fitness careers.