Analysis
Miami grads earning $40,486 in their first year after this program significantly outpace both national and state expectations—they're making 32% more than the typical Ohio grad in this field and crushing the national median by $10,000. Even more encouraging, earnings climb to $50,514 by year four, showing 25% growth that suggests real career progression rather than a quick plateau.
The $25,000 debt load sits right at national norms, translating to a 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio that's entirely manageable for health and fitness professionals. While Miami ranks in the 60th percentile statewide (meaning 40% of Ohio programs produce higher earners), context matters: you're comparing against powerhouses like Ohio Dominican and Dayton while still landing among the top programs in the state. The stronger national showing (95th percentile) reflects how well Miami positions graduates compared to the hundreds of similar programs nationwide.
For a relatively accessible school (82% admission rate) with solid academics (1313 SAT average), these outcomes deliver genuine value. Your graduate isn't just getting a teaching credential or gym job—they're entering the field with earning power that exceeds most peers and continues building. If your child is passionate about health and fitness education, this program offers a financially sound path into the profession.
Where Miami University-Oxford Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Miami University-Oxford graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami University-Oxford | $40,486 | $50,514 | +25% |
| University of Dayton | $38,011 | $54,248 | +43% |
| Mount St. Joseph University | $31,870 | $51,803 | +63% |
| Otterbein University | $31,851 | $50,571 | +59% |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $35,165 | $50,227 | +43% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (52 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,809 | $40,486 | $50,514 | $25,000 | 0.62 | |
| $34,370 | $40,467 | $39,264 | $27,000 | 0.67 | |
| $47,600 | $38,011 | $54,248 | $26,000 | 0.68 | |
| $12,859 | $36,592 | $45,629 | $23,000 | 0.63 | |
| $37,938 | $36,528 | $39,800 | $27,000 | 0.74 | |
| $11,188 | $35,640 | $41,755 | $28,250 | 0.79 | |
| National Median | — | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and physical education/fitness graduates
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Athletic Trainers
Exercise Physiologists
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Coaches and Scouts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Miami University-Oxford, approximately 11% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 197 graduates with reported earnings and 267 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.