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Allen University breaks the mold with a net cost of just $11,081 for Health and Physical Education programs, making it the most affordable option despite being a private institution. This stands out in a field where public schools typically offer the lowest prices, yet Allen undercuts even the University of South Carolina Aiken at $11,611. South Carolina's growing wellness tourism industry, particularly around resort destinations like Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach, creates steady demand for fitness professionals and recreation specialists. Graduate earnings span from $21,964 to $41,342, with schools like USC-Upstate producing graduates earning $32,772 annually. The state's LIFE Scholarship can reduce costs further for qualifying residents, potentially bringing several programs below $10,000. With graduation rates varying dramatically from 13.20% at Allen to 69.60% at Bob Jones University, students face important tradeoffs between affordability and completion rates when choosing their path into South Carolina's expanding health and fitness sector.
24
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,081 $14,304 13.2% 43.4%
2 $11,611 $10,760 40.1% 75.6%
3 $13,725 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
4 $13,742 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
5 $14,501 $11,700 48.8% 67.4%
6 $15,411 $12,630 37.8%
7 $16,353 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
8 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
9 $17,781 $18,000 21.1% 67.8%
10 $18,045 $31,854 34.6% 94.1%
11 $18,268 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
12 $19,968 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%
13 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
14 $20,415 $27,500 27.6% 89.5%
15 $20,612 $24,650 54.9% 76.1%
16 $21,002 $12,570 72.8% 98.6%
17 $21,232 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
18 $21,660 $27,900 65.5% 48.2%
19 $21,955 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
20 $22,018 $36,710 48.6% 53.3%
21 $23,650 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
22 $24,532 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
23 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
24 $29,997 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Allen University so affordable compared to other private schools?

Allen University offers the lowest net cost at $11,081 despite being private, significantly undercutting most public options. This represents strong value considering typical private school costs exceed $20,000 in this field. However, the school's 13.20% graduation rate and 43.36% acceptance rate suggest students should carefully weigh affordability against completion likelihood. The low net cost likely reflects substantial financial aid packages targeting students who need the most support.

How do public school costs compare across different regions of South Carolina?

Public schools show surprising cost variation, from USC-Aiken at $11,611 to Winthrop at $16,353 net cost. In-state tuition remains relatively consistent around $11,000-$12,000, but total costs vary based on location and housing expenses. USC-Upstate offers strong value with $13,725 net cost and $32,772 graduate earnings. Coastal Carolina balances affordability at $13,742 with a solid 50.80% graduation rate.

What earnings can graduates expect in South Carolina's job market?

Graduate earnings range from $25,194 at Coker University to $32,772 at USC-Upstate, reflecting the varied career paths in health and fitness. Winthrop graduates earn $32,569 annually with manageable debt of $27,000. USC-Aiken graduates start at $26,121, which aligns well with the school's low $11,611 net cost. These earnings reflect opportunities in South Carolina's tourism, healthcare, and emerging wellness sectors.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in these programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically regardless of cost, from Allen's 13.20% to Bob Jones University's 69.60%. Winthrop achieves 61.20% graduation rates at $16,353 net cost, while similarly priced programs show much lower completion rates. USC-Upstate maintains 42.40% graduation rates at moderate cost, suggesting institutional support matters more than price alone. Students should consider both affordability and institutional track record when making decisions.

Where do the best value programs combine low cost with strong outcomes?

USC-Upstate offers excellent value with $13,725 net cost, $32,772 graduate earnings, and 42.40% graduation rate. Coastal Carolina provides similar balance at $13,742 with 50.80% graduation rate and reasonable debt levels. Winthrop represents premium value at $16,353 with the highest graduation rate among reasonably priced options. These schools demonstrate that moderate spending often produces better long-term results than the cheapest alternatives.

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