Health & Physical Education at San Diego State University

San Diego, 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 $26,327/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (25% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (128,800 openings/yr)
ROI 19.8x earnings multiple (8.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #64 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 $657K $656K $599K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.8x 19.8x 18.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.1x 8.1x 7.4x
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)
$33,160
Out-of-state: $80,680 (8.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,696
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,285
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,740
146% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,327/yr fall 15% below the $31,057 national median for Health & Physical Education. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 19.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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 $15,285 against $26,327/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

San Diego State University ranks #64 among 529 Health & Physical Education programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $26,327-to-$64,740 earnings arc over five years reflects a 146% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About San Diego State University

San Diego State University admits 34% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, one of the larger campuses at 33,654 students in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego 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 San Diego State University

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 does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Health & Physical Education at San Diego State University?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Health & Physical Education programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is San Diego State University one of the best schools for Health & Physical Education?
Among 529 Health & Physical Education programs, San Diego State University's #64 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Is San Diego State University a good choice for Health & Physical Education despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If San Diego State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →