Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Mount Marty University

South Dakota's relatively strong market for physical education graduates makes this program more viable than comparable degrees elsewhere, though the estimated $27,000 debt load still demands scrutiny. Similar programs across the state typically produce first-year earnings around $37,500—meaningfully above the national median of $30,554 for this field. That regional advantage reflects South Dakota's school systems and fitness sector, where PE teachers and wellness professionals can find steadier employment than in oversaturated coastal markets.

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 sits at a manageable level, suggesting graduates could reasonably handle their loan payments while establishing their careers. However, the debt figure comes from national patterns rather than Mount Marty's specific outcomes, and the school's reported programs show debt levels ranging from $23,500 to $27,000 across different fields. The actual borrowing experience here could vary significantly from these estimates, particularly given that only 19% of students receive Pell grants—suggesting either a more affluent student body or less comprehensive financial aid packaging.

The real question is positioning: South Dakota State and Northern State graduates in this field appear to earn $3,500 to $4,000 more in their first year. For a teaching credential where starting salaries often depend more on district pay scales than individual preparation, that gap matters less than in performance-based fields. If your child is committed to working in South Dakota schools or community wellness programs and Mount Marty offers the right campus environment, the estimated numbers suggest a workable investment—just recognize you're making decisions with limited visibility into this program's actual track record.