Health and Physical Education/Fitness at St. Andrews University

St. Andrews graduates in this field earn nearly $9,000 more than the typical NC program four years out—a meaningful advantage that places them in the 60th percentile statewide. While first-year earnings of $29,540 lag slightly behind the national median, the 23% growth trajectory over four years suggests graduates find their footing, potentially moving into coaching, athletic training, or fitness management roles that value experience.

The debt picture is particularly strong here. At $27,000, it's just above the national median, but crucially, it's one of the lowest debt loads in the country for this program (5th percentile nationally). With a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, graduates owe less than their first year's salary—a manageable burden that many education-focused programs struggle to achieve. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, indicating the school serves a population where keeping debt reasonable matters enormously.

The reality check: even with strong state performance, you're still looking at modest absolute earnings compared to higher-earning majors. Four years out, the $36,456 median falls short of what UNC Charlotte and NC State graduates make. But for students passionate about physical education or fitness careers, St. Andrews offers a path that won't bury them in debt while they build a career in fields that often require years to reach peak earning potential.