Analysis
Michigan's public universities report marketing bachelor's graduates earning $47,000 to $57,000 in their first year, with Michigan State's program leading at over $57,000. Andrews sits well below this rangeβpeer programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $44,400, matching the national median but trailing competitors within driving distance by $3,500 to $13,000 annually.
The estimated debt load of $25,200 aligns closely with what's typical for Michigan marketing programs and creates a manageable 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's reasonable on paper, but the earnings gap matters more than it might appear. Over a five-year period, that $10,000 annual difference compared to nearby state schools compounds to $50,000 in lost incomeβdouble the cost of the degree itself. Marketing careers depend heavily on employer networks and alumni connections, where larger universities typically hold significant advantages.
Without actual outcome data for Andrews' marketing graduates specifically, you're making this decision using broad state averages. The debt picture seems sustainable, but the opportunity cost of potentially lower earnings compared to established programs nearby deserves serious consideration, especially when those alternatives may offer similar or lower tuition rates.
Where Andrews University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (31 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,710 | $44,379* | β | $25,169* | β | |
| $15,988 | $57,275* | $78,148 | $23,896* | 0.42 | |
| $14,190 | $55,296* | $69,950 | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| $15,298 | $53,081* | $60,095 | $25,750* | 0.49 | |
| $14,694 | $50,087* | $63,669 | $25,715* | 0.51 | |
| $14,297 | $47,929* | $54,580 | $24,382* | 0.51 | |
| National Median | β | $44,728* | β | $24,267* | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with marketing graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Marketing Managers
Sales Managers
Fundraising Managers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Fundraisers
Survey Researchers
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 Andrews University, approximately 22% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 19 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.