Best Value Health and Physical Education/Fitness Colleges in South Carolina

The Citadel Military College stands apart from other Health and Physical Education programs in South Carolina with graduates earning $41,342 annually, nearly double what some peers achieve. This military institution charges just $12,570 for in-state tuition yet delivers the state's highest graduate earnings in the field. Meanwhile, University of South Carolina Aiken offers the lowest net price at $11,611, creating a $30,000 annual cost gap between the most and least expensive options. South Carolina's growing tourism sector, which employs thousands in recreational facilities and resorts along the coast and in the mountains, creates steady demand for fitness professionals and recreation specialists. The state's LIFE Scholarship program provides up to $5,000 annually for qualifying residents, making public universities particularly attractive. Graduate debt loads vary significantly, from $21,500 at USC Columbia to $32,750 at Claflin University. Acceptance rates range from highly selective programs like Anderson University at 45% to nearly open admission at The Citadel with 99% acceptance.

Programs

$11,081 – $29,997

Net Price Range

$29,175

Avg. Program Earnings

49.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Health and Physical Education/Fitness Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of South Carolina-Upstate Spartanburg, South Carolina	$13,725	$32,772	$11,583	42.4%	78.6%
2	University of South Carolina Aiken Aiken, South Carolina	$11,611	$26,121	$10,760	40.1%	75.6%
3	Winthrop University Rock Hill, South Carolina	$16,353	$32,569	$15,956	61.2%	69.8%
4	Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston, South Carolina	$21,002	$41,342	$12,570	72.8%	98.6%
5	Coastal Carolina University Conway, South Carolina	$13,742	$26,662	$11,640	50.8%	78.6%
6	Lander University Greenwood, South Carolina	$14,501	$26,187	$11,700	48.8%	67.4%
7	South Carolina State University Orangeburg, South Carolina	$18,268	$28,598	$11,060	29.4%	83.9%
8	University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, South Carolina	$24,532	$38,161	$12,688	77.7%	64.1%
9	Erskine College Due West, South Carolina	$22,018	$32,382	$36,710	48.6%	53.3%
10	Coker University Hartsville, South Carolina	$18,045	$25,194	$31,854	34.6%	94.1%
11	Charleston Southern University Charleston, South Carolina	$21,955	$26,086	$31,030	48.6%	86.8%
12	Claflin University Orangeburg, South Carolina	$21,232	$21,964	$17,046	49.1%	78.0%
13	Anderson University Anderson, South Carolina	$28,183	$21,234	$33,580	71.0%	45.4%
14	Furman University Greenville, South Carolina	$29,997		$58,312	81.5%	67.0%
15	Limestone University Gaffney, South Carolina	$20,415		$27,500	27.6%	89.5%
16	Newberry College Newberry, South Carolina	$20,351		$30,050	44.4%	75.3%
17	North Greenville University Tigerville, South Carolina	$20,612		$24,650	54.9%	76.1%
18	Columbia College Columbia, South Carolina	$23,650		$21,450	53.5%	98.1%
19	Columbia International University Columbia, South Carolina	$21,660		$27,900	65.5%	48.2%
20	Southern Wesleyan University Central, South Carolina	$19,968		$27,870	52.0%	51.2%
21	Bob Jones University Greenville, South Carolina	$17,529		$23,400	69.6%
22	Benedict College Columbia, South Carolina	$17,781		$18,000	21.1%	67.8%
23	Voorhees University Denmark, South Carolina	$15,411		$12,630	37.8%
24	Allen University Columbia, South Carolina	$11,081		$14,304	13.2%	43.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Citadel's Health and Physical Education program such a strong value?

The Citadel graduates earn $41,342 annually, the highest in South Carolina for this major, while charging only $12,570 in-state tuition. The military college maintains a 73% graduation rate, well above the state average. Students graduate with just $23,000 in debt, significantly lower than many private alternatives.

How do public university costs compare to private options for fitness majors?

Public universities charge between $10,760 and $15,956 for in-state tuition, while private colleges range from $17,046 to $58,312 annually. USC Aiken offers the lowest net cost at $11,611, compared to Furman University at $29,997. The LIFE Scholarship can reduce costs by up to $5,000 for qualifying South Carolina residents attending public institutions.

Where do Health and Physical Education graduates find employment in South Carolina?

The state's tourism industry employs fitness professionals at coastal resorts, mountain recreation centers, and golf facilities throughout the region. BMW, Volvo, and other major manufacturers offer corporate wellness positions for qualified graduates. School districts across South Carolina hire physical education teachers, with larger districts in Charleston and Columbia providing the most opportunities.

Is there a significant earnings difference between programs?

Graduate earnings span from $21,234 at Anderson University to $41,342 at The Citadel, creating a $20,000 annual difference. USC Columbia graduates earn $38,161, reflecting the flagship university's strong alumni network. Most programs fall between $25,000 and $33,000 in average starting salaries.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in South Carolina?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, with Furman University leading at 82% and USC Columbia at 78%. However, The Citadel achieves 73% graduation while maintaining moderate costs. Lower-cost options like USC Aiken graduate 40% of students, while Limestone University graduates only 28% despite charging $27,500 tuition.

More Health and Physical Education/Fitness Rankings

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.