Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Linfield University

Linfield's Health and Physical Education program produces modest outcomes that track closely with both national and Oregon averages, though the small graduating class (under 30 students) means these figures could shift significantly year to year. At $31,285 in first-year earnings, graduates earn exactly Oregon's median for this field and slightly above the national benchmark. The debt load of $27,000 sits in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with more debt—which translates to a manageable 0.86 debt-to-earnings ratio.

What's concerning is the earnings comparison within Oregon. While Linfield matches the state median, four other Oregon programs produce graduates earning $1,000 to $4,000 more annually. That gap matters when you're starting at just over $31,000. Physical education and fitness careers typically follow predictable salary schedules in schools and recreation departments, so these early differences can compound. The relatively accessible admission rate (88%) suggests Linfield isn't operating as a highly selective program that might justify premium outcomes through connections or placement services.

The financial picture isn't alarming—you're looking at reasonable debt for the earnings level. But you're paying private school costs (likely significantly higher tuition than state alternatives like Western Oregon or Eastern Oregon) for middle-of-the-pack results in a field where the degree largely serves as a credential. Unless Linfield offers specific advantages like coaching connections or a desired location, the Oregon public universities delivering better outcomes deserve serious consideration.