Analysis
Angelo State delivers something increasingly rare in Texas marketing programs: graduates who carry significantly less debt than their peers while earning respectable middle-of-the-pack salaries. With $19,500 in median debt—about $2,600 below the Texas median and nearly $5,000 below the national average—students here are borrowing 86% less than typical marketing majors nationwide. That creates immediate financial breathing room, with first-year graduates owing less than half their annual salary.
The earnings trajectory tells a straightforward story. Starting at $42,712 and climbing to $48,936 by year four (a solid 15% gain), Angelo State graduates land close to both state and national medians, ranking around the 40th percentile in Texas. Yes, graduates from UT Austin or TCU earn $10,000 to $25,000 more annually, but they're also navigating substantially higher debt loads and often higher living costs. For families concerned about keeping four-year costs manageable while still accessing legitimate career pathways in marketing, that tradeoff matters.
The practical math works in your favor here: lower debt means faster progress on other financial goals, whether that's saving for a home, starting a business, or simply having monthly cash flow flexibility. If your child is committed to marketing and wants a Texas degree without the financial weight, Angelo State offers a sensible path—not the highest earning potential in the state, but one of the more financially balanced approaches to entering the field.
Where Angelo State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Angelo State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angelo State University | $42,712 | $48,936 | +15% |
| Southern Methodist University | $50,790 | $83,357 | +64% |
| Texas Christian University | $68,497 | $81,394 | +19% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $59,428 | $74,178 | +25% |
| Texas Tech University | $49,773 | $64,758 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (57 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,319 | $42,712 | $48,936 | $19,500 | 0.46 | |
| $57,220 | $68,497 | $81,394 | $19,250 | 0.28 | |
| — | $63,570 | $53,053 | $45,070 | 0.71 | |
| $11,678 | $59,428 | $74,178 | $19,625 | 0.33 | |
| $54,844 | $57,162 | $59,964 | $21,775 | 0.38 | |
| $51,352 | $55,928 | $60,350 | $23,500 | 0.42 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728 | — | $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 Angelo State University, approximately 27% 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 31 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.