Analysis
Based on comparable marketing programs across California, this degree appears positioned right at the state medianβ$48,229 in first-year earnings with roughly $23,000 in debt. That puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.48, meaning graduates would owe about half their annual salary, which falls within a manageable range for bachelor's-level credentials.
However, the ceiling here matters. The top California marketing programs produce graduates earning $54,000 to $64,000 in their first yearβshowing there's meaningful variation in outcomes across the state. Whether California College of ASU lands closer to the median or exceeds it depends on factors the limited data can't reveal: employer networks, internship pipelines, and how well the curriculum translates to actual marketing roles in competitive LA markets.
For families, the ~$23,000 debt estimate is moderate compared to many bachelor's programs, particularly given that nearly half the student body receives Pell grants. The real question is whether this specific program can deliver connections and credentials that match what higher-earning peer programs provide. Look for employment placement rates, which employers recruit on campus, and how recent graduates landed their jobsβthose details will tell you more about ROI than statewide averages can.
Where California College of ASU Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26,175 | $48,229* | β | $22,988* | β | |
| β | $63,570* | $53,053 | $45,070* | 0.71 | |
| $59,241 | $58,493* | $79,997 | $19,712* | 0.34 | |
| $56,444 | $56,313* | $69,411 | $21,375* | 0.38 | |
| $13,160 | $54,286* | $45,421 | $38,234* | 0.70 | |
| $7,424 | $52,072* | $60,322 | $12,304* | 0.24 | |
| National Median | β | $44,728* | β | $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 California College of ASU, approximately 47% 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 15 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.