Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion's Health and Physical Education program sits squarely in the middle of both national and state offerings, but that middle position comes with real financial challenges. With first-year earnings just under $30,000 and debt of $26,375, graduates face nearly a year's salary in loans—manageable compared to some degrees, but tight for an entry-level salary in education or fitness fields. The program performs better against Virginia competitors than national ones, landing in the 60th percentile statewide, though it trails the state's top performers by $7,000-10,000 annually.

The bigger concern is whether $30,000 adequately launches a career in this field. Physical education teachers and fitness professionals often need additional certifications, and starting salaries leave little room for loan payments, rent, and professional development costs. The 91% admission rate and moderate debt load suggest ODU keeps costs somewhat reasonable, but graduates aren't seeing a premium for attending this particular program.

For families considering this path: if your child is set on health and physical education in Virginia, ODU offers a workable option without catastrophic debt. But investigate whether programs like Longwood or James Madison—with 30% higher starting salaries—might justify slightly higher upfront costs. The real question is career trajectory: if these initial earnings grow substantially with experience and additional credentials, the modest debt becomes less concerning. If they stagnate, that $26,000 burden will feel heavier than the ratio suggests.