Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Cornerstone University

Cornerstone's Health and Physical Education program starts concerning but shows real momentum: graduates earn just $27,327 in year one—below both Michigan's median ($28,045) and the national average ($30,554)—but see 40% earnings growth by year four, reaching $38,352. That's a notable income trajectory, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly with more data. At the 40th percentile among Michigan programs, this sits in the middle of the state pack, well behind top performers like U-M Ann Arbor ($43,506) but competitive with regional options.

The $27,000 debt load equals exactly one year's starting salary, which is manageable but requires careful budgeting in those early years. The good news: this debt level ranks in the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt), giving graduates some breathing room despite the modest starting pay. For students planning careers in teaching, coaching, or fitness—fields where passion often matters as much as pay—this program offers an affordable entry point.

The bottom line: This works best for students committed to staying in Michigan and willing to grind through lower early earnings. That year-four salary suggests the career path opens up, but your child needs a realistic budget for those first few years. If they're exploring options, compare closely with Eastern Michigan or Central Michigan, which offer similar debt but stronger starting salaries.