Marketing at Aurora University

Aurora University's marketing program starts graduates at below-average earnings—$39,482 places them in just the 20th percentile nationally—but demonstrates unusually strong earnings growth over four years. By year four, graduates reach $55,495, a 41% jump that suggests good career mobility despite the modest entry point. The debt load of $22,900 is manageable, sitting below both national and Illinois averages.

The picture is more nuanced when comparing to other Illinois schools. While Aurora ranks at the state median for four-year earnings, it trails significantly behind Illinois public universities like Illinois State and Northern Illinois, where graduates start earning $51,000+. The program serves primarily as a stepping stone into marketing careers for students who might not access more selective programs—Aurora's 85% admission rate and high Pell grant percentage indicate it's educating students who need that entry point.

For families evaluating this program, the key question is career trajectory versus starting salary. If your child can build momentum through internships and networking, that 41% earnings growth suggests real opportunity. But the gap with top Illinois programs is substantial—UIUC marketing graduates start at $69,000—so if your child can gain admission to a more selective program, the math clearly favors that path. Aurora works best for students who need an accessible entry point and can leverage that strong upward earnings curve.