Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Southwest Baptist University

Southwest Baptist University's Health and Physical Education program shows graduates earning below the Missouri median—landing in the 40th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $30,837, compared to $33,892 statewide. That gap matters when comparing options like Missouri Western State ($36,557) or Missouri Baptist ($37,165), both of which offer stronger financial outcomes in the same field. The 28% earnings growth to $39,445 by year four is encouraging, but it doesn't fully close the gap with state peers.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $19,550, graduates here borrow about $6,200 less than the Missouri median, creating a more manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio. For a field where salaries start modest regardless of school choice, lower debt provides meaningful breathing room early in careers. The university's 100% admission rate and 35% Pell grant population suggest it serves students who might benefit most from that reduced debt burden.

The major caveat is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset—which makes these numbers less reliable than larger programs. Still, the pattern is clear enough: this program trades lower upfront earnings for lower debt. For families prioritizing affordability in a teaching or coaching career, that tradeoff could work. For those hoping to maximize earning potential in Missouri's phys ed market, other state schools show a clearer path.