Health and Physical Education/Fitness at William Jessup University

William Jessup's Health and Physical Education program starts graduates at just over $30,000 annually—barely enough to cover basic living expenses in the Sacramento area. While this sits near the national median for the field, the more relevant comparison is California: here, the program performs better than 60% of similar programs statewide, earning about $2,000 more than the typical CA graduate. The relatively modest $21,000 debt load (lower than both state and national averages) keeps the financial burden manageable, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70.

That said, this field rarely leads to high-paying careers immediately after graduation. Even California's top programs—like Ashford and California Baptist—only push starting salaries into the mid-$30,000s to low-$40,000s. Parents should understand they're investing in a career path built more around passion and service than financial returns. The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) also means one unusually successful or struggling cohort could skew the picture significantly.

The practical takeaway: If your child is committed to teaching PE, coaching, or fitness instruction, William Jessup provides a path with below-average debt and slightly above-average California outcomes. Just ensure they have a clear career plan—and ideally, a willingness to pursue additional credentials that could boost earning potential beyond that $30,000 starting point.