Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Charleston Southern University

At $26,722 in the first year, Charleston Southern's health and physical education graduates earn below both the national median ($30,554) and the state median ($27,728) for this field. To put that in sharper relief: The University of South Carolina's graduates in the same program earn $40,702—more than 50% higher. Among South Carolina's 24 programs, Charleston Southern sits at the 40th percentile, meaning most competitors deliver better outcomes. The debt load of $27,000 essentially equals a full year's starting salary, which creates real payment pressure even on income-driven plans.

The bright spot is 40% earnings growth by year four, reaching $37,342. That trajectory suggests graduates eventually find their footing, possibly moving into coaching, recreation management, or fitness leadership roles. Still, with fewer than 30 graduates in the data set, these numbers could swing considerably year to year.

For a family weighing this investment: Compare carefully against South Carolina's stronger performers in this field. If your child is committed to health and PE education specifically and Charleston Southern offers scholarship money or other compelling factors, the debt level isn't catastrophic. But purely as a financial proposition, this program underperforms both state and national alternatives. If cost is a primary concern, explore the higher-earning programs within South Carolina first.