Marketing at Boston College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Boston College's marketing graduates start at $66,227—outearning 95% of marketing programs nationally and placing second among Massachusetts schools, just behind Bentley. More striking is what happens next: earnings jump 35% to $89,379 by year four, pulling away from most competitors. The $18,000 median debt is less than half the national average for marketing degrees and creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.27, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of gross income.
The numbers tell an unusually clean story for a marketing program. While many business degrees show modest salary trajectories, BC graduates demonstrate consistent upward momentum past the $89K mark. At 80th percentile within Massachusetts—a state with strong business programs—this performance reflects both the school's rigorous admission standards and the network advantages that come with a 16% acceptance rate.
For families weighing the investment, the combination of strong starting salaries, exceptional debt levels, and proven earnings growth makes this one of the safer bets in marketing education. The competitive admission process is the real barrier here, not the financial return.
Where Boston College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
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 Boston College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Boston College graduates earn $66k, placing them in the 95th 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 Massachusetts
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (28 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College | $66,227 | $89,379 | $18,000 | 0.27 |
| Bentley University | $60,447 | $77,885 | $26,000 | 0.43 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | $58,462 | $62,209 | $23,750 | 0.41 |
| Assumption University | $55,314 | $62,024 | $27,000 | 0.49 |
| Stonehill College | $50,025 | $74,083 | $26,000 | 0.52 |
| Endicott College | $49,913 | — | $26,981 | 0.54 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley University Waltham | $58,150 | $60,447 | $26,000 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst | $17,357 | $58,462 | $23,750 |
| Assumption University Worcester | $49,414 | $55,314 | $27,000 |
| Stonehill College Easton | $54,500 | $50,025 | $26,000 |
| Endicott College Beverly | $39,212 | $49,913 | $26,981 |
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 Boston College, approximately 13% 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 107 graduates with reported earnings and 100 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.