Health and Physical Education/Fitness at University of South Carolina Aiken

The trajectory here tells two different stories. USC Aiken graduates start at just $25,467—well below both the state median of $27,728 and the national average of $30,554, placing this program in the bottom 12% nationally. However, earnings jump dramatically to $42,282 by year four, ultimately surpassing even top-ranked programs like USC Columbia. That 66% growth rate is exceptional for this field, though it means living through some lean early years while carrying $31,000 in debt.

The debt load demands attention. At $30,975, it exceeds both state and national medians, creating a 1.22 debt-to-earnings ratio in that first year—meaning your child would owe more than they earn. For context, among South Carolina's health and PE programs, this sits right in the middle for outcomes despite the higher debt burden. Schools like The Citadel and USC Columbia offer stronger starting salaries if your child qualifies for admission.

This works if your child can handle the financial squeeze during those first few years—perhaps living at home or working a second job—and has patience for the earnings to materialize. The long-term numbers eventually justify the investment, but the path there is bumpier than at peer programs. If immediate earning power matters for loan repayment, look elsewhere in South Carolina.