Marketing at California State University-Northridge

Cal State Northridge's marketing program starts graduates at below-average salaries but delivers impressive earnings growth that changes the financial picture significantly. While first-year earnings of $37,016 trail both the national median ($44,728) and California median ($48,229), graduates see a robust 55% salary jump by year four, reaching $57,487—well above national benchmarks and competitive within California's market.

The program's standout feature is its exceptionally low debt burden. At $14,000 median debt, CSUN ranks in the 5th percentile nationally for affordability, with graduates owing roughly $10,000 less than the typical marketing student and $7,000 less than California peers. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.38—meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within the first year of work. Among California's 28 marketing programs, this ranks in the 25th percentile for earnings, placing it in the lower half but not at the bottom.

For families prioritizing affordability over prestige, this program delivers solid value. The combination of minimal debt and strong earnings growth means graduates avoid the financial stress that burdens many college alumni. While starting salaries lag behind elite programs like Santa Clara or University of San Diego, the low debt load provides financial flexibility that higher-earning but debt-heavy alternatives can't match. This is particularly valuable for the 56% of students receiving Pell grants who need cost-effective pathways to middle-class careers.