Analysis
Marketing programs across Kentucky cluster tightly around $45,000 in first-year earnings, and based on comparable programs in the state, Asbury's graduates likely fall right in that middle rangeβneither dramatically outperforming nor lagging behind larger public universities. The estimated $26,000 debt load sits slightly above Kentucky's typical $23,250 for marketing degrees, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 that's manageable but not particularly advantageous.
What's worth noting is how little variation exists among Kentucky marketing programs. The difference between University of Kentucky's $48,100 and Western Kentucky's $42,478 is less than $6,000βmeaning your school choice matters less for earnings potential than in many other fields. The estimated figures for Asbury align with this state pattern, suggesting typical rather than exceptional outcomes. At a smaller Christian university with moderate selectivity, you're likely paying for the campus environment and values integration rather than superior career preparation.
The bottom line: if Asbury's faith-based community is essential to your family, the estimated financial outcomes don't present serious red flagsβthe debt appears recoverable on typical marketing salaries. But if you're choosing Asbury purely for career prospects, Kentucky's public universities appear to deliver similar or slightly better earnings at lower cost. The uncertainty around these estimates means getting actual employment data from Asbury's career services should be non-negotiable before committing.
Where Asbury University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,640 | $45,042* | β | $26,000* | β | |
| $13,212 | $48,100* | $58,361 | $24,225* | 0.50 | |
| $12,828 | $47,704* | $60,649 | $21,384* | 0.45 | |
| $10,896 | $45,386* | $55,123 | $22,387* | 0.49 | |
| $9,708 | $45,042* | $42,692 | $21,997* | 0.49 | |
| $11,436 | $42,478* | $53,494 | $23,250* | 0.55 | |
| 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 Asbury University, approximately 26% 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 7 similar programs in KY. Actual outcomes may vary.