Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Lenoir-Rhyne University

The first year after graduation from Lenoir-Rhyne's Health and Physical Education program is genuinely difficult, with median earnings of just $22,695—well below even North Carolina's state median of $27,624 and landing this program in the bottom 5% nationally. That sub-$23,000 salary makes the $27,000 in typical debt feel heavy, though the debt level itself is actually close to national norms for this field. Within North Carolina, this program sits at the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of similar programs in the state produce better initial outcomes.

The saving grace is substantial earnings growth: graduates see their income nearly double to $44,101 by year four, which brings them above both state and national medians. This trajectory suggests many graduates may be starting in lower-paying roles like substitute teaching or coaching assistant positions before moving into full-time teaching jobs with benefits. However, that first year—or possibly several years—of financial strain is real, and parents should consider whether their child can weather that period, especially if they're carrying the full debt load.

If your child is certain about a career in physical education or fitness and has the resilience for a slow financial start, this path can work out. But the stronger NC programs at schools like UNC-Charlotte or NC State deliver $10,000+ higher starting salaries, which could make the crucial difference during those lean early years.