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Health & Physical Education at Lenoir-Rhyne University

Hickory, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Health and Physical Education/Fitness

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

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 & Physical Education 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 & Physical Education. 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 & Physical Education 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 & Physical Education 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 & Physical Education 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 & Physical Education at Lenoir-Rhyne University?

At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Health & Physical Education programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Health & Physical Education 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 & Physical Education 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 →