Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Elon University

Elon's Health and Physical Education program starts with alarmingly low first-year earnings—$21,440 puts it in just the 5th percentile nationally—but transforms into something quite different by year four. That 161% earnings jump to nearly $56,000 dramatically exceeds what most North Carolina programs deliver (state median: $27,624), ultimately placing graduates well ahead of peers despite the difficult start.

This pattern suggests graduates may begin in entry-level coaching or fitness roles before moving into higher-paying positions like athletic administration or specialized training. The $23,250 debt load is reasonable and manageable once those year-four earnings kick in. However, parents should understand their child may need financial support during that crucial first year when earnings barely cover basic expenses.

The key question is whether your family can weather that initial period. If so, this program appears to deliver strong long-term outcomes that surpass most alternatives in North Carolina, including larger state schools. But if your child needs immediate post-graduation financial independence, the rocky start could create real hardship regardless of what comes later.