Analysis
Marketing graduates from smaller private colleges in Tennessee face a competitive landscape where outcomes vary substantially. Based on comparable programs across the state, this program suggests first-year earnings around $41,000—about $3,700 below the national median for marketing degrees. Tennessee's flagship and urban universities report outcomes in the mid-$40,000s, meaning graduates from this program would likely start several thousand dollars behind peers from larger institutions in the state.
The estimated debt load of $26,000 produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64, better than many bachelor's programs and slightly above the national median debt for marketing degrees. Similar private Christian colleges often carry higher debt loads, so this figure—if accurate—represents relative restraint. The practical question is whether the campus environment and personalized attention at a smaller institution justify the earnings gap compared to state schools like UT-Knoxville or Middle Tennessee State, where marketing graduates appear to start $5,000-6,000 higher.
For families prioritizing a faith-based education in a small-college setting, the debt burden looks sustainable if career plans align with Tennessee's marketing job market. However, if maximizing early earnings matters most, the state's larger universities show a clear advantage in graduate outcomes, likely reflecting stronger employer recruiting networks and alumni connections in major Tennessee markets.
Where Bryan College-Dayton Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,900 | $40,825* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $41,320 | $46,968* | $48,037 | —* | — | |
| $13,484 | $46,896* | $55,676 | $19,500* | 0.42 | |
| $10,344 | $43,986* | $48,886 | $21,904* | 0.50 | |
| $9,506 | $43,612* | $54,938 | $20,708* | 0.47 | |
| $38,824 | $41,660* | — | $24,625* | 0.59 | |
| 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 Bryan College-Dayton, approximately 22% 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 10 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.