Analysis
Coker's Health and Physical Education program lands squarely in the middle of South Carolina's field—literally at the 60th percentile statewide—but trails far behind the state's top options. While first-year earnings of $28,319 start modestly, they jump 38% to over $39,000 by year four, suggesting graduates gain traction as they build experience. The debt load of $26,475 is manageable relative to those improving earnings, with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0.
The challenge here is one of missed opportunity. Top programs in South Carolina—like The Citadel and USC-Columbia—produce graduates earning $40,000+ right out of the gate, nearly 50% more than Coker's median. Even mid-tier options like Newberry deliver stronger outcomes. For a family paying comparable costs across South Carolina schools, Coker's program doesn't offer a clear advantage beyond its extremely high acceptance rate.
The small sample size makes these figures less reliable, but the pattern is consistent: adequate outcomes for students who need an accessible entry point, yet significantly weaker earning potential than competitors charging similar tuition. If your child has the grades for USC or The Citadel, those programs deliver substantially better return. Coker works as a fallback option, not a first choice.
Where Coker University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Coker University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coker University | $28,319 | $39,114 | +38% |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | $43,727 | $62,053 | +42% |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | $40,702 | $55,909 | +37% |
| University of South Carolina Aiken | $25,467 | $42,282 | +66% |
| North Greenville University | $27,537 | $41,812 | +52% |
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (24 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Coker UniversityHartsville | $31,854 | $28,319 | $39,114 | $26,475 | 0.93 |
 Citadel Military College of South CarolinaCharleston | $12,570 | $43,727 | $62,053 | $22,250 | 0.51 |
 University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia | $12,688 | $40,702 | $55,909 | $25,000 | 0.61 |
 Newberry CollegeNewberry | $30,050 | $33,159 | — | $28,375 | 0.86 |
 Bob Jones UniversityGreenville | $23,400 | $32,481 | — | $23,000 | 0.71 |
 Winthrop UniversityRock Hill | $15,956 | $30,527 | $41,576 | $27,000 | 0.88 |
| National Median | — | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Athletic Trainers
Exercise Physiologists
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Coaches and Scouts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Coker University, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.