Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Otterbein University

Otterbein's Health and Physical Education program starts rough but shows real momentum—first-year earnings of $31,851 trail Ohio's median by about $1,200, but four years out, graduates hit $50,571, putting them well ahead of both state and national norms for this field. That 59% earnings jump suggests graduates are moving into higher-paying roles like athletic directors, corporate wellness coordinators, or specialized coaching positions rather than staying in entry-level teaching jobs. The $25,000 debt load is manageable relative to that first salary, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio below 0.8.

The catch? Within Ohio, this program lands at just the 40th percentile, meaning most peer institutions get their grads to stronger starting salaries. Schools like Miami University and Ohio Dominican see first-year earnings around $40,000, giving their graduates a significant head start. Otterbein students appear to need a few years in the field to catch up to what top programs deliver immediately. If your child can secure strong internships or networking opportunities during school, that could help close the gap.

For families willing to bet on long-term growth over immediate returns, this works. The debt is reasonable, and the earnings trajectory is solid. But if early financial stability matters—say, for loan repayment or graduate school planning—stronger programs exist within Ohio at comparable or even lower debt levels.