Median Earnings (1yr)
$47,563
63rd percentile (40th in MN)
Median Debt
$25,000
3% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.53
Manageable
Sample Size
55
Adequate data

Analysis

Augsburg University's marketing program sits in an interesting position: it beats the national median by nearly $3,000 in first-year earnings, yet falls just below Minnesota's state median of $49,439. This gap matters for Minnesota families comparing in-state options, as the program lands at the 40th percentile statewide—meaning six out of ten marketing programs in Minnesota deliver higher starting salaries.

The $25,000 median debt is reasonable and exactly matches both the state median and national average, translating to a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio. More encouraging is the 23% earnings growth trajectory, with graduates reaching $58,652 by year four. That's solid progression, though it still trails Minnesota's flagship by nearly $1,000 even at that point. Given Augsburg's 77% admission rate and the fact that over half its students receive Pell grants, the program appears to serve its access mission while delivering outcomes that won't bury graduates in debt.

For Minnesota families weighing options, this program represents a middle-of-the-road investment. It's neither a bargain nor a premium choice within the state, but the debt load is controlled and earnings growth is steady. If your student is choosing between Augsburg and Minnesota's top-tier programs, they should understand they're trading roughly $10,000-12,000 in starting salary for potentially better access and a different campus environment.

Where Augsburg University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally

Augsburg UniversityOther marketing programs

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 Augsburg University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Augsburg University graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 63th 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 Minnesota

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (21 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Augsburg University$47,563$58,652$25,0000.53
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities$59,609$76,482$22,7500.38
Capella University$55,495—$45,4060.82
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota$55,158$59,070$18,7350.34
University of Minnesota-Duluth$53,800$63,722$25,0000.46
The College of Saint Scholastica$52,732$52,354$25,0000.47
National Median$44,728—$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Minnesota

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis
$16,488$59,609$22,750
Capella University
Minneapolis
$14,436$55,495$45,406
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona
$43,160$55,158$18,735
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Duluth
$14,318$53,800$25,000
The College of Saint Scholastica
Duluth
$40,454$52,732$25,000

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 Augsburg University, approximately 52% 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 55 graduates with reported earnings and 55 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.