Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State's Health and Physical Education program outperforms 91% of similar programs nationally—a striking achievement—yet lands in the middle of the pack within Ohio itself. That contrast tells you something important: Ohio produces strong outcomes in this field generally, and while OSU delivers solid value, it's not the standout deal in-state that the national comparison might suggest. With first-year earnings of $36,592 rising to $45,629 by year four (a healthy 25% gain), graduates see steady income growth, though they trail peers at Miami University and Ohio Dominican by about $4,000-5,000 annually.

The financial picture works in graduates' favor. At $23,000 in median debt—below both state and national averages—the debt burden is manageable, creating a 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio that most students can navigate comfortably. That $4,000 debt advantage over the typical Ohio graduate matters when you're starting at mid-$30K salaries, even if it means earning slightly less than top programs initially.

For families considering this program, here's what it comes down to: you're getting reliable, above-average outcomes from a respected institution at a reasonable price. OSU won't produce the highest earners in Ohio's physical education field, but the combination of moderate debt and consistent earnings growth makes this a sensible choice, particularly if your student values the broader opportunities and resources of a major research university alongside their degree.