Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Missouri Baptist University

Missouri Baptist's Health and Physical Education program reports exceptionally strong outcomes—95th percentile nationally—but a critical caveat applies: these numbers represent fewer than 30 graduates, making them statistically unreliable. With that warning issued, the reported $37,165 starting salary significantly outpaces the national median of $30,554 and even beats the state median of $33,892. The $26,001 in typical debt produces a manageable 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio, and earnings reportedly grow to $45,163 by year four, a healthy 22% increase.

However, the small sample size means these numbers could easily shift dramatically in either direction with the next graduating class. What looks like top-tier performance might reflect a handful of graduates landing particularly strong coaching or athletic director positions, rather than a reliable pattern. The 60th percentile ranking among Missouri programs—solidly middle-of-the-pack statewide—suggests outcomes here aren't dramatically different from peer schools like Southeast Missouri State or Missouri Southern.

If your child is seriously considering this program, focus on individual factors like specific faculty connections, internship placements, and whether the school can demonstrate consistent placement rates in quality positions. Don't make financial decisions based primarily on these median earnings figures when they're built on such a thin sample. The debt load appears reasonable, but the earnings picture needs several more years of data before you can trust it.