Analysis
A $27,000 debt load for a bachelor's in marketing at Bluffton sits slightly above what's typical for Ohio marketing programs, while estimated first-year earnings track closely with the state median of around $47,600. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 suggests manageable repayment—graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary. However, these figures come from peer programs across Ohio rather than Bluffton's specific outcomes, so they represent what's typical for similar marketing degrees in the state, not necessarily what this particular program delivers.
The gap between Bluffton's estimated performance and Ohio's top marketing programs is substantial. Miami University and Ohio State graduates earn $10,000-12,000 more in their first year, and that difference compounds over a career. For a smaller private institution with a 61% admission rate, Bluffton appears positioned in the middle tier of Ohio's marketing education landscape—not commanding the premium outcomes of flagship schools, but potentially hitting state norms.
Given the estimates involved, the practical question is whether Bluffton offers something beyond the numbers—smaller classes, closer faculty relationships, or career services—that could justify choosing it over more affordable state options that produce similar or better results. Without actual graduate data, you're essentially betting on whether this specific program outperforms or underperforms the Ohio average, and at $27,000 in debt, that uncertainty matters.
Where Bluffton University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (51 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,298 | $47,602* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $17,809 | $59,043* | $75,634 | $21,963* | 0.37 | |
| $12,859 | $56,465* | $69,870 | $21,198* | 0.38 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728* | — | $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 Bluffton University, approximately 37% 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 36 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.