Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Howard University

Howard's Health and Physical Education program shows promising earnings trajectory despite a slower start. First-year graduates earn $30,733—below DC's median of $34,412 and ranking in just the 40th percentile locally—but by year four, earnings jump 46% to nearly $45,000. That's significant growth in a field where the national median sits around $31,000. The program's modest $27,000 debt load ranks in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt. With a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, graduates can realistically tackle their loans even in that challenging first year.

The catch is location and competition. With only three programs in DC, you're comparing against limited options, and Gallaudet's graduates out-earn Howard's by about $7,000 in year one. However, Howard serves a different population—41% receive Pell grants—and the strong earnings growth suggests graduates find their footing quickly, whether moving into fitness management, coaching, or education roles that reward experience.

For families comfortable with a modest initial salary that grows substantially, this program offers manageable debt and solid upward momentum. The combination of low borrowing and strong earnings growth makes this a workable investment, particularly for students committed to the education or fitness industries where career advancement typically follows early-stage credential building.