Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Ottawa University-Surprise

Ottawa University-Surprise's Health and Physical Education program produces graduates earning just over $30,000 annually—numbers that track closely with national averages but fall short within Arizona. More concerning, graduates here start $3,000 below what peers earn at Arizona State and nearly $7,000 behind Grand Canyon University graduates. In a state with only five programs, landing in the 40th percentile suggests this program struggles to compete locally, even if it holds its own nationally.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $27,000, borrowing sits well below both state and national medians, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0. Graduates can realistically manage their loans, though the modest $32,400 four-year salary means financial breathing room will be tight. Modest 7% earnings growth suggests stable but limited income progression in early career years.

The real caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. For parents, that uncertainty compounds the already challenging economics of a field where $30,000 starting salaries are standard. If your child is passionate about physical education and coaching, this program won't bury them in debt. But they should understand they're entering a low-paying field where this particular degree doesn't appear to provide a competitive edge, at least within Arizona's job market.