Health and Physical Education/Fitness at DeSales University

DeSales University's Health and Physical Education program starts with earnings significantly below Pennsylvania peers—about $4,600 less than the state median and nearly $15,000 behind top programs like Alvernia. The first-year figure of $26,729 places this program in just the 20th percentile nationally and 40th percentile within Pennsylvania, meaning 60% of similar programs in the state produce better initial outcomes. While earnings do jump substantially by year four to $45,113, that impressive 69% growth reflects the program's weak starting point more than exceptional performance.

The debt picture is actually favorable at $27,000, matching the state median and sitting in the 5th percentile nationally (meaning very few programs have lower debt). However, when paired with those anemic first-year earnings, graduates face a nearly 1:1 debt-to-income ratio right out of the gate—financially tight for someone likely pursuing teaching or coaching positions.

Important caveat: this program graduated fewer than 30 students in the cohort tracked, so these numbers could shift considerably with a larger sample. Still, the pattern is concerning enough to warrant serious comparison shopping. If your child is set on teaching or fitness in Pennsylvania, programs like Alvernia or Lebanon Valley College deliver substantially better earning potential for similar debt loads. DeSales might work if they're receiving significant financial aid beyond what's typical, but at sticker price, stronger alternatives exist in-state.