Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Dakota State University

Based on comparable health and physical education programs in South Dakota, graduates here can expect to earn around $37,500 in their first year while carrying roughly $24,500 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 suggests manageable repayment, though peer programs at South Dakota State and Northern State appear to deliver stronger first-year outcomes—both exceeding $40,000. The $37,500 estimate actually reflects the median for similar South Dakota programs, placing this somewhere in the middle of the pack statewide.

The financial picture becomes clearer when you look beyond South Dakota. Nationally, health and physical education bachelor's programs typically produce median earnings of just $30,554—meaning the South Dakota market appears to value these credentials about 23% higher than the national average. That's significant context: while Dakota State's program may not lead its state peers, it's positioned in a labor market that treats these graduates considerably better than most states do.

The takeaway: this program likely offers decent value for students planning to work in South Dakota's education or fitness sectors, where the earnings floor appears higher than typical. The estimated debt is reasonable, but before committing, compare actual job placement rates and starting salaries at Dakota State versus the state schools showing stronger earnings outcomes.