Health and Physical Education/Fitness at SUNY Oneonta
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
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.
Where SUNY Oneonta Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and physical education/fitness bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How SUNY Oneonta graduates compare to all programs nationally
SUNY Oneonta graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 87th percentile of all health and physical education/fitness bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Health and Physical Education/Fitness bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (39 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUNY Oneonta | $36,119 | — | $22,600 | 0.63 |
| St. John Fisher University | $36,273 | — | $23,364 | 0.64 |
| Syracuse University | $34,821 | $59,233 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
| SUNY at Fredonia | $31,013 | $43,048 | $26,000 | 0.84 |
| Farmingdale State College | $29,717 | $50,423 | $18,500 | 0.62 |
| CUNY Lehman College | $29,538 | — | $10,861 | 0.37 |
| National Median | $30,554 | — | $25,757 | 0.84 |
Other Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. John Fisher University Rochester | $39,666 | $36,273 | $23,364 |
| Syracuse University Syracuse | $63,061 | $34,821 | $27,000 |
| SUNY at Fredonia Fredonia | $8,771 | $31,013 | $26,000 |
| Farmingdale State College Farmingdale | $8,576 | $29,717 | $18,500 |
| CUNY Lehman College Bronx | $7,410 | $29,538 | $10,861 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At SUNY Oneonta, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 32 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.