Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Lenoir-Rhyne University

Hickory, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,695/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (25% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (128,800 openings/yr)
ROI 4.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #501 of 529 Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $563K $563K $521K
Earnings Multiple 4.6x 4.6x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 42% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$123,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$93,572
24% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
14.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,797
124% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $22,695/yr fall 27% below the $31,057 national median for Health and Physical Education/Fitness. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 4.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

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

At a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #501 ranking among 529 Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs places Lenoir-Rhyne University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $22,695-to-$50,797 earnings arc over five years reflects a 124% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University has a 81% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,348 in Hickory, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Lenoir-Rhyne 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 and Physical Education/Fitness at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lenoir-Rhyne 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 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Lenoir-Rhyne University?
At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Health and Physical Education/Fitness degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Lenoir-Rhyne University a good choice for Health and Physical Education/Fitness despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Lenoir-Rhyne 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 →