Health and Physical Education/Fitness at SUNY Oneonta

SUNY Oneonta turns out to be a standout choice for aspiring physical education teachers and fitness professionals in New York. At $36,119 first-year earnings, graduates from this program earn 32% more than the typical New York grad in this field and rank in the 80th percentile statewide—essentially matching what private St. John Fisher delivers at likely far lower tuition. The program outperforms 87% of health and PE programs nationally, which is particularly impressive for a regional state university.

The $22,600 in median debt is reasonable for a four-year degree and lower than both state and national program medians. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63, graduates owe roughly 7.5 months of their first-year salary—manageable territory for a teaching-focused credential. The 70% admission rate and moderate selectivity (1181 SAT) suggest this isn't an overly competitive program to enter, making it accessible for solid students interested in the field.

For families considering teaching or fitness careers, this represents a practical investment. You're getting top-tier New York outcomes in this field from an affordable SUNY campus. The modest starting salary reflects education sector realities rather than program quality—Oneonta is clearly preparing graduates well for a field where pay scales are predetermined by district contracts and certification levels.