Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Lee University

Lee University's Health and Physical Education program shows concerning first-year earnings of just $22,135—roughly $6,000 below Tennessee's median for this degree and ranking in the bottom 5th percentile nationally. While the $24,750 debt load sits near state and national averages, that becomes problematic when paired with earnings this low. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.12 means graduates owe more than they earn in their first year, creating immediate financial strain.

The Tennessee comparison is particularly striking. Other state programs place graduates at $28,000-$33,000 annually, with schools like Tennessee Tech and MTSU delivering 50% higher starting salaries. Even accounting for the 25th percentile state ranking (which suggests some Tennessee programs perform worse), the gap between Lee and the state's stronger options is substantial for families paying similar tuition rates.

The small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—demands caution with these figures. A few graduates in low-paying internships or part-time roles could skew the average significantly. However, parents should weigh whether they're comfortable with that uncertainty when other Tennessee institutions show consistently stronger outcomes. If your child is set on this field, ask Lee directly about job placement rates and typical first positions, then compare those answers against the more established track records at Tennessee's public universities.