Analysis
In Alabama, marketing programs produce widely different outcomes, with first-year earnings ranging from roughly $40,000 at mid-tier schools to nearly $49,000 at flagship institutions like The University of Alabama. Based on comparable programs across the state, AUM marketing graduates likely start around $40,225βplacing them at the lower end of this range and about $4,500 below the national median for marketing degrees. The estimated debt load of $23,036 keeps the financial picture manageable, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 that's actually better than the typical marketing graduate faces nationally.
What's harder to assess here is trajectory. The four-year earnings figure of $39,887 is essentially flat from year one, which could reflect the particular graduates in that cohort or signal limited advancement opportunities. Top Alabama programs show their graduates earning 15-20% more right out of the gate, a gap that likely compounds over time. For a family weighing options, the question becomes whether AUM's accessible admissions (93% acceptance rate) and reasonable debt justify starting behind peers from Auburn or UAβespecially in a field where networking and institutional reputation can matter for career acceleration.
The safe bet: if you're staying in Alabama and cost containment is priority one, these estimated figures suggest a workable if unexciting return. The risk: you're likely trading early earning potential for affordability, and that gap may be hard to close later.
Where Auburn University at Montgomery Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | β | $39,887 | β |
| The University of Alabama | $48,879 | $65,054 | +33% |
| Auburn University | $45,460 | $56,959 | +25% |
| University of North Alabama | $40,470 | $52,250 | +29% |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $39,348 | $47,757 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (16 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,436 | $40,225* | $39,887 | $23,036* | β | |
| $11,900 | $48,879* | $65,054 | $23,071* | 0.47 | |
| $38,144 | $47,565* | $47,133 | $18,000* | 0.38 | |
| $12,536 | $45,460* | $56,959 | $20,500* | 0.45 | |
| $11,990 | $40,470* | $52,250 | $21,500* | 0.53 | |
| $11,770 | $40,225* | β | $23,000* | 0.57 | |
| 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 Auburn University at Montgomery, approximately 43% 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 9 similar programs in AL. Actual outcomes may vary.