Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Syracuse University

Syracuse's physical education program commands a premium price but delivers returns that justify the investment. Graduates earn $34,821 in their first year—ranking in the 80th percentile among New York programs and placing them ahead of competitors like SUNY Oneonta and Farmingdale State. The $27,000 debt load is manageable at just 78% of first-year earnings, and more importantly, graduates see dramatic income growth, nearly doubling their salary to $59,233 by year four. That 70% earnings trajectory suggests graduates are successfully moving into coaching, athletic director, or corporate wellness roles rather than remaining stuck at entry-level positions.

The comparison to state alternatives is instructive. While Syracuse costs more than SUNY schools, graduates out-earn peers at most public institutions from day one, with only St. John Fisher showing similar outcomes. For a field where many programs struggle to launch careers—the state median is just $27,412—Syracuse's track record of placing graduates in positions with clear advancement potential stands out. The low debt percentile (5th nationally) means the university is either generous with aid or attracting students with substantial family resources.

For families who can afford it or secure adequate financial aid, this program offers a legitimate pathway to a stable career with meaningful earnings growth. The key question is whether your family's out-of-pocket cost aligns with these publicly-reported debt figures—private school aid packages vary widely.