Health & Physical Education at California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Health and Physical Education/Fitness
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,203/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (25% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (128,800 openings/yr)
ROI 21.0x earnings multiple (8.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #80 of 529 Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Health & Physical Education graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $650K $649K $593K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 21.0x 21.0x 19.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.3x 8.3x 7.6x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 42% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,956
Out-of-state: $78,476 (8.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,200
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,880
144% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,203/yr fall 16% below the $31,057 national median for Health & Physical Education. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 21.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Health & Physical Education programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Health & Physical Education's typical career paths, with 25% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $17,500 represents roughly 8 months of the $26,203 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #80 of 529 nationally, this is a top-5% Health & Physical Education program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $63,880 show a 144% jump from the $26,203 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State University-San Marcos

California State University-San Marcos has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 14,174 in San Marcos, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 44% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-San Marcos →

Top Career Paths

Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling $77,180/yr
Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary $75,890/yr
Athletes and sports competitors $62,360/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Health & Physical Education at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-San Marcos

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Health & Physical Education at California State University-San Marcos?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Health & Physical Education. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
What makes California State University-San Marcos's Health & Physical Education program stand out?
Ranked #80 of 529 programs nationally, California State University-San Marcos lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can you still earn well with Health & Physical Education from California State University-San Marcos?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →