Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Grand View University

Grand View's Health and Physical Education program outperforms 90% of similar programs nationally—a remarkable achievement that deserves attention. Graduates start at $36,495, which beats the national median by nearly $6,000, and then see their earnings jump 36% to nearly $50,000 by year four. That kind of earnings trajectory suggests graduates are advancing into coaching coordinator roles, program management, or specialized fitness training positions rather than staying in entry-level jobs. The debt load of $26,921 is manageable, translating to a 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio that's well below concerning thresholds.

The Iowa context adds nuance here. While this program ranks in the 60th percentile within the state, that's because Iowa's health and PE programs generally perform well—the state median already exceeds the national average. Grand View sits comfortably in the middle of Iowa's competitive landscape, just behind ISU but ahead of half the state's programs. For in-state students paying Iowa tuition rates, this represents solid value with strong career momentum built in.

The combination of modest initial debt, exceptional national performance, and that 36% earnings growth makes this a smart choice for students committed to careers in fitness, wellness, or athletic education. You're looking at a program that gets graduates employed quickly and positions them for professional advancement.