Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $27,305 track close to the $31,057 national median for Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 3.8x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.
AI risk is moderate — 25% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $25,000 debt-to-$27,305 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #500 out of 529 programs, Catawba College's financial outcomes for Health and Physical Education/Fitness trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $27,305 to $45,156 over five years (65% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.