Analysis
Marketing programs across Pennsylvania show substantial variation in outcomes, with top performers producing first-year earnings above $80,000 while typical graduates earn in the mid-$40,000s. Based on comparable bachelor's programs in the state, Cedar Crest students would likely face $26,000 in debt—slightly above the national median—while earning around $46,200 in their first year, which aligns with state and national norms for marketing degrees. That produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56, manageable but not exceptional.
The challenge here is understanding what Cedar Crest specifically delivers when peer programs in Pennsylvania produce such different results. The college's 99% admission rate and relatively accessible profile suggest it serves a different student population than Penn or Villanova, where marketing graduates earn 50-80% more. Whether that gap reflects networking opportunities, employer perceptions, or simply different career paths isn't clear from the available data. What is clear: marketing isn't automatically lucrative, and institutional differences matter significantly in this field.
For parents evaluating this investment, the estimated figures suggest reasonable debt relative to likely earnings, but without certainty about Cedar Crest's specific track record. If your child is choosing between similar schools, ask admissions offices directly about graduate outcomes and employer relationships in marketing—concrete placement data would help distinguish whether this program positions students closer to the state median or lags behind it.
Where Cedar Crest College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,934 | $46,239* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $66,104 | $82,553* | $117,639 | $17,412* | 0.21 | |
| $64,772 | $70,868* | $71,936 | $26,000* | 0.37 | |
| $64,701 | $69,633* | $79,586 | $26,962* | 0.39 | |
| $60,663 | $57,838* | $68,543 | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $62,180 | $55,236* | $85,576 | $20,534* | 0.37 | |
| 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 Cedar Crest College, approximately 39% 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 27 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.