Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Catawba College

The small sample size here demands caution, but the available data suggests Catawba's Health and Physical Education program falls short of stronger alternatives in North Carolina. While the median debt of $26,703 sits near both state and national averages, first-year earnings of $27,305 trail the state median by about $300 and rank in just the 24th percentile nationally. More concerning, even with four years of career progression, graduates earn $30,889—still below what the national median graduate makes in their first year and roughly $7,000 less than what nearby UNC Charlotte or NC State grads start at.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.98 means graduates carry nearly a full year's salary in loans, which creates tight budgets for those entering teaching or coaching positions. Growth to $30,889 by year four shows some upward trajectory, but it's worth asking whether that's enough when stronger NC programs demonstrate significantly higher earning potential from the start. The 40th percentile ranking within North Carolina suggests this program performs middle-of-the-pack statewide, though families should recognize that "middle" in this field still means modest absolute earnings.

If your child is committed to health and PE education in North Carolina and Catawba offers specific advantages—perhaps a teaching placement network or coaching connections—the program isn't financially catastrophic. But with 44 programs across the state, you have options that deliver substantially better outcomes. Given the limited sample size, request placement data and recent graduate outcomes directly from the college before committing.