Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Lionel University

Lionel University's Health and Physical Education associate's program produces exceptional outcomes that should quiet most parental concerns about this field. At $46,831 in first-year earnings, graduates earn nearly double California's median for this program ($25,516) and more than double the national benchmark ($23,154). The 95th percentile ranking—both nationally and within California—puts this among the elite programs in what's typically a lower-earning field.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $12,917, student loans remain manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.28. That means graduates need less than four months of their annual salary to cover their entire debt load—a comfortable position that gives them financial flexibility early in their careers. While debt sits slightly above California's state median for this program, the extraordinary earnings gap more than compensates.

For parents worried about launching their child into fitness or physical education work, this program offers an unusually strong financial foundation. The combination of significantly above-average earnings and reasonable debt creates immediate economic viability. Whatever factors are driving these outcomes—whether it's regional demand in the Carpinteria area, specialized training, or strong employer connections—they're working consistently well for graduates. This represents a clear investment win in a field where many programs struggle to deliver strong earnings.