Marketing at Augusta University

Augusta University's marketing program graduates start strong at $49,144—outearning 71% of marketing programs nationally and 60% of those in Georgia. That initial salary beats the national median by nearly $5,000 and surpasses most Georgia programs except UGA and Georgia College. The $27,000 median debt sits well below both national and state averages, creating a manageable 0.55 debt-to-income ratio that's better than most business degrees.

The catch is what happens next: by year four, median earnings drop to $44,873, a 9% decline that reverses the strong start. This pattern suggests graduates may be taking entry-level marketing coordinator roles that don't advance quickly, or perhaps some leave the field. Still, even with this dip, four-year earnings remain roughly on par with the national median for marketing programs.

For in-state families, Augusta represents solid value—accessible admissions, reasonable debt, and first-year earnings that compete with larger Georgia schools. The early salary advantage gives graduates breathing room to establish themselves, even if career progression requires strategic job changes down the line. Just set realistic expectations about needing to actively manage career growth rather than counting on automatic advancement.