Analysis
A $37,000 starting salary—what comparable marketing programs in South Carolina typically produce—falls nearly $8,000 short of the national median for this degree. While the estimated debt load of $25,500 aligns with what's typical both nationally and across the state, that sub-$40,000 earnings figure matters when you're facing monthly loan payments. For context, South Carolina's top marketing programs report outcomes ranging from $37,000 to over $52,000, suggesting significant variation even within the state.
The 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in workable territory—not alarming, but not particularly advantageous either when peer programs elsewhere are launching graduates into higher-paying roles. Marketing is a competitive field where school reputation and network access often influence early-career opportunities, and starting $15,000 behind graduates from flagships like USC-Columbia could compound over time.
For parents weighing this investment, the core question is whether BJU's specific value proposition—whether faith-based community, particular faculty strengths, or other factors—justifies accepting earnings outcomes that cluster at the lower end of both state and national ranges. The financial picture here is manageable but underwhelming compared to alternatives, making the non-financial fit especially important to evaluate carefully.
Where Bob Jones University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,400 | $37,066* | — | $25,500* | — | |
| $12,688 | $52,374* | $62,400 | $23,750* | 0.45 | |
| $15,554 | $47,606* | $62,978 | $23,250* | 0.49 | |
| $27,500 | $43,169* | — | $27,000* | 0.63 | |
| $12,978 | $40,723* | $56,514 | $22,250* | 0.55 | |
| $33,580 | $37,066* | $47,789 | $25,250* | 0.68 | |
| 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 Bob Jones University, approximately 29% 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 SC. Actual outcomes may vary.