Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Saint Mary's College of California

Saint Mary's health and physical education graduates see impressive earnings growth, jumping from $34,444 in year one to nearly $49,000 four years out—a 42% increase that suggests graduates are finding career traction after an initially modest start. While the first-year salary trails California's top performers, that $48,862 four-year mark puts graduates on solid financial footing and substantially ahead of California's $28,000 median for this field.

The $24,300 debt load sits slightly below the national median and positions graduates reasonably well, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 that becomes increasingly manageable as salaries climb. Ranking in the 60th percentile statewide, Saint Mary's doesn't lead California in initial outcomes, but the strong upward trajectory matters more than where graduates start. The program appears particularly effective at connecting students to roles with advancement potential—likely in coaching, athletic administration, or corporate wellness—rather than leaving them stuck in entry-level positions.

For parents, this is a bet on trajectory over immediate returns. Your child won't match Pepperdine or Cal Baptist graduates right out of the gate, but the earnings pattern suggests the degree opens doors to career growth. Just understand that patience is required: those strong year-four numbers only materialize for graduates who stick with the field and advance beyond initial teaching or training roles.