Median Earnings (1yr)
$47,524
63rd percentile (60th in TX)
Median Debt
$24,021
1% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.51
Manageable
Sample Size
39
Adequate data

Analysis

Abilene Christian's online marketing program delivers solid mid-tier results, positioning graduates above both national and Texas medians—though well short of the state's top programs. First-year earnings of $47,524 beat the national benchmark by 6% and the Texas average by 8%, placing graduates around the 60th percentile statewide. That means this program outperforms most Texas marketing degrees, though elite options like TCU ($68,497) and UT Austin ($59,428) still command significantly higher salaries.

The debt picture is reasonable at $24,021, translating to a 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio—roughly half a year's salary. This manageable burden matters especially given that 60% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves many first-generation and lower-income families. Earnings growth to $50,361 by year four is modest but steady, indicating stable career progression rather than explosive upside.

For families seeking a flexible online option with predictable outcomes, this program delivers middle-of-the-pack value. You're paying for convenience and accessibility rather than prestige, and the numbers reflect that positioning—good enough to justify the investment, but unlikely to unlock the higher earning potential that comes with Texas's top-ranked programs.

Where Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally

Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate OnlineOther marketing programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online graduates compare to all programs nationally

Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 63th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (57 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online$47,524$50,361$24,0210.51
Texas Christian University$68,497$81,394$19,2500.28
University of Phoenix-Texas$63,570$53,053$45,0700.71
The University of Texas at Austin$59,428$74,178$19,6250.33
Baylor University$57,162$59,964$21,7750.38
Trinity University$55,928$60,350$23,5000.42
National Median$44,728—$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth
$57,220$68,497$19,250
University of Phoenix-Texas
Dallas
—$63,570$45,070
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin
$11,678$59,428$19,625
Baylor University
Waco
$54,844$57,162$21,775
Trinity University
San Antonio
$51,352$55,928$23,500

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online, approximately 60% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 39 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.