Analysis
An estimated debt load of $19,500 for a marketing certificate puts you in relatively manageable territory—comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $63,500, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31. That's roughly four months of gross income to pay off what you borrowed, which falls well within financial aid experts' comfort zone. For context, the national median debt for this type of credential runs slightly higher at $22,000, so Broward appears to deliver this training at a competitive cost.
The caveat here is significant: both earnings and debt figures are drawn from peer programs nationally since Broward's own graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to publish. That means you're betting on similarity—that Broward's outcomes mirror those of other community colleges offering marketing certificates. With 254 programs nationwide and 15 in Florida alone, there's clearly demand for this credential, but you're making this decision without school-specific track record data.
For parents, the question becomes whether a certificate—rather than an associate's or bachelor's degree—positions your child competitively in South Florida's marketing job market. The debt burden appears light, but if employers in Fort Lauderdale favor candidates with fuller credentials, the lower price tag won't compensate for limited advancement. Before committing, talk to local marketing firms and verify whether this certificate level credential opens doors or requires further education to be competitive.
Where Broward College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,830 | $63,549* | — | $19,500* | — | |
| — | $63,549* | — | —* | — | |
| — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| $9,552 | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 |
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 Broward College, approximately 40% 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 national median of 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.