Marketing at Central Connecticut State University

Central Connecticut State's marketing graduates face a rough start—first-year earnings of $39,477 fall below both the national median ($44,728) and far below Connecticut's state median ($54,809). This program ranks in just the 25th percentile among the state's 13 marketing programs, meaning three-quarters of Connecticut marketing grads earn more right out of the gate. For a state where UConn and even Post University graduates start near $55,000, that's a meaningful gap.

The silver lining is substantial earnings growth: the jump to $57,241 by year four represents a 45% increase that eventually puts graduates above national norms. However, that still only brings them to parity with Connecticut peers' starting salaries. The debt load of $23,500 is manageable relative to that difficult first year (0.60 ratio), but it means graduates are making loan payments during precisely the years when they're earning least.

For Connecticut families, this creates a straightforward calculation: Your child will likely start $15,000 behind state peers and spend four years catching up to where others began. If staying in Connecticut for work, consider whether the lower admission standards justify accepting that earning disadvantage. If moving out of state after graduation, the national comparison is less concerning—but then you're paying Connecticut tuition for below-median Connecticut outcomes.