Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Pfeiffer University

Pfeiffer's health and physical education program starts graduates at $26,744—about $3,800 below the national average and nearly $1,000 below North Carolina's median. While falling in the 40th percentile among North Carolina programs might sound middling, consider that top programs in the state like Meredith College and UNC Charlotte start graduates $7,000 to $12,000 higher. The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing considerably year to year, but the pattern suggests graduates are entering lower-paying positions than peers from comparable programs.

The $27,000 debt load is remarkably low by national standards—5th percentile nationwide—which partially offsets the modest earnings. With a debt-to-earnings ratio just over 1.0, graduates face roughly one year's salary in debt, a manageable figure compared to many programs. However, starting at under $27,000 makes that first year tight financially, especially in a field where many positions don't see dramatic salary growth early on.

For families considering this program, the core question is career trajectory: if your student has a clear path to coaching, teaching, or fitness management roles that offer advancement, the low debt makes this viable. But if they're exploring options, stronger programs in the state provide better earning potential from day one. The 95% admission rate and high Pell grant population suggest Pfeiffer prioritizes access, which matters—just know the earnings reflect entry-level positions in a competitive field.