Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Xavier University

Xavier University's Health and Physical Education program shows impressive earnings momentum that's rare in this field. While graduates start near the state median at $33,000, they reach $47,258 by year four—a 43% jump that outpaces typical growth trajectories for fitness-related degrees. Among Ohio's 52 programs, Xavier sits at the 60th percentile, solidly in the upper half but trailing larger state universities and specialized programs like Miami and Ohio State by $7,000-$10,000.

The $27,000 debt load deserves close attention—it's remarkably low, ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally for this major. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82, meaning graduates owe less than one year's starting salary. In a field where many programs saddle students with debt that far exceeds earning potential, this conservative borrowing sets Xavier apart. The combination of contained costs and strong mid-career growth suggests graduates can manage their loans comfortably while their salaries catch up.

The moderate sample size (30-100 grads) adds some uncertainty, but the four-year earnings data tells a compelling story: this program appears to connect students to career pathways with real advancement potential, whether that's in school administration, athletic training, or fitness management. For parents concerned about return on investment in education fields, Xavier delivers better-than-average outcomes without overextending students financially.