Health & Physical Education at Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Health and Physical Education/Fitness
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
54
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,123/yr (29% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (25% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (128,800 openings/yr)
ROI 14.9x earnings multiple (11.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #19 of 529 Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs Top 5%

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 $526K $526K $491K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.9x 14.9x 13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 11.0x 11.0x 10.3x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 42% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 54 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,380
Out-of-state: $47,788 (11.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,376
-93% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,150
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,946
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $40,123 per year, Health & Physical Education graduates from Northern State University significantly outpace the $31,057 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 14.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Health & Physical Education career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,150 against $40,123/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Northern State University ranks #19 among 529 Health & Physical Education programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 34% earnings increase from $40,123 to $53,946 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Northern State University

With 93% of applicants admitted, Northern State University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,239 students in Aberdeen, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern State University →

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 Northern State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Health & Physical Education at Northern State University?
At 54/100, Northern State University's Health & Physical Education program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Northern State University one of the best schools for Health & Physical Education?
Among 529 Health & Physical Education programs, Northern State University's #19 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →