Health & Physical Educationat South Dakota State University
Graduates earn $41,019/yr in their first year — about 32.0% above the national Health & Physical Education average. Base-case 10-year earnings $522K; scenarios range from $487K to $522K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at South Dakota State University
The impressive earnings for this Health and Physical Education program at SDSU underscore a strong regional demand for well-prepared professionals. In South Dakota and the surrounding Midwest, there's a consistent need for graduates in K-12 education, community wellness, and athletic organizations. This public university likely cultivates robust local connections, facilitating valuable internships and job placements with regional healthcare providers, school districts, and sports facilities. Your degree here isn't just theoretical; it prepares you for tangible roles, from managing recreation programs to becoming certified athletic trainers, which are often in short supply. The program's reputation helps open doors, distinguishing your skillset. Focus on maximizing those practical experiences and certifications during your studies to capitalize on these local pipelines.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to South Dakota State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Health & Physical Education
How South Dakota State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at South Dakota State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at South Dakota State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Health & Physical Education offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Health & Physical Education trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Health & Physical Education at South Dakota State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Health & Physical Education at South Dakota State University?
A score of 53/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Health & Physical Education field.
What makes South Dakota State University's Health & Physical Education program stand out?
Ranked #25 of 529 programs nationally, South Dakota State University lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.