Marketing at American Public University System
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
American Public University System's online marketing program produces graduates who significantly outperform their peers—both nationally and within West Virginia. First-year earnings of $53,578 land in the 89th percentile nationally and 80th percentile statewide, exceeding even West Virginia University graduates by more than $11,000. While the $31,379 in median debt sits above national averages, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 means graduates owe just seven months of their first-year salary, a manageable burden given their strong earning potential.
The modest 5% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates enter at competitive salaries rather than starting low and climbing sharply. This online program appears particularly well-suited for career-switchers or working adults who can leverage APUS's flexible format while maintaining income, rather than traditional students seeking dramatic career acceleration. For context, West Virginia's median income for all workers hovers around $40,000, making these outcomes notably strong for the state.
The math works here: graduates can realistically pay down debt within a few years while earning well above state and national medians. For families seeking a marketing degree with proven employment outcomes, APUS delivers measurable results—though prospective students should understand they're paying a premium over some state options for the convenience and career outcomes of this online format.
Where American Public University System Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
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 American Public University System graduates compare to all programs nationally
American Public University System graduates earn $54k, placing them in the 89th 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 West Virginia
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Public University System | $53,578 | $56,049 | $31,379 | 0.59 |
| West Virginia University | $42,058 | $57,359 | $23,852 | 0.57 |
| Marshall University | $37,191 | $43,950 | $26,000 | 0.70 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in West Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across West Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia University Morgantown | $9,648 | $42,058 | $23,852 |
| Marshall University Huntington | $8,942 | $37,191 | $26,000 |
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 American Public University System, approximately 25% 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 37 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.