Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Seattle Pacific University

At $25,625 in first-year earnings, this program falls notably short of what other Washington schools deliver. Even accounting for the small sample size, the gap is significant: graduates here earn $5,000 less than the state median and trail every comparable program in Washington, including nearby Seattle University ($31,627) and Central Washington ($35,268). Nationally, it ranks in just the 13th percentile—meaning 87% of similar programs produce better earnings outcomes.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $27,000, borrowing sits close to both state and national norms for this field, and the 1.05 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly what they'll earn in their first year. Still, combining below-average earnings with typical debt levels creates a challenging financial start, particularly in Seattle's expensive housing market. The 91% admission rate suggests accessibility, but that openness doesn't translate into stronger graduate outcomes.

The small cohort size (under 30 students) means one or two graduates' experiences heavily influence these numbers, so they could shift dramatically year to year. But based on available evidence, families should expect modest starting salaries and recognize that graduates from other Washington programs in this field are earning 15-40% more right out of the gate. If your child is committed to this career path, exploring the higher-performing state schools would provide better financial footing.