Marketing at Carthage College

Carthage College's marketing program delivers earnings that significantly outpace both national and Wisconsin averages, combined with notably low debt—a combination that makes this a financially sound choice for a private college. First-year graduates earn $50,175, which beats the national median by 12% and ranks in the 76th percentile nationally. While it trails top Wisconsin programs like UW-Madison, it outperforms the state median and keeps debt 95% below the national average for marketing majors.

The debt picture is particularly impressive here. At $27,000, graduates owe just slightly above Wisconsin's median, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54—meaning students can expect to owe roughly half their first year's salary. This compares favorably to many private colleges, where marketing graduates often carry $35,000+ in debt. Earnings also show healthy growth, rising 16% to $58,387 by year four, suggesting graduates are advancing in their careers rather than plateauing early.

For families weighing private versus public options in Wisconsin, Carthage offers a middle path: earnings well above directional state schools but debt levels comparable to in-state tuition scenarios. The 84% admission rate means this outcome is accessible to most applicants, not just top performers. If your child can keep debt near this median and doesn't need the specific prestige of UW-Madison, Carthage represents a practical investment that should pay off within reasonable timeframes.