Analysis
An estimated debt load of $15,597 positions this program favorably against Minnesota's typical $27,167 for associate marketing degrees—though these figures come from comparable programs nationally rather than Century College's own graduates. The projected first-year salary of nearly $42,000 creates a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning the debt represents about four and a half months of pre-tax income.
Minnesota's marketing associate programs typically produce slightly higher earnings around $44,300, suggesting Century College's outcomes may track close to but slightly below state norms. The substantially lower estimated debt partially offsets this earnings gap. For a two-year credential aimed at launching marketing careers, breaking $40,000 in year one is reasonable, though families should recognize that marketing often rewards experience and additional education over time.
The practical challenge is uncertainty: with no program-specific data available, you're essentially betting that Century College performs similarly to the national peer group. The financial structure looks sound on paper, but verify the program's job placement support and employer connections in the Twin Cities market. If your student can graduate near that $15,600 debt estimate and secure entry-level work quickly, the numbers work—just understand you're making that decision with borrowed benchmarks rather than this program's proven track record.
Where Century College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Marketing associates's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,182 | $41,955* | — | $15,597* | — | |
| $10,899 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| National Median | — | $41,955* | — | $19,149* | 0.46 |
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 Century College, approximately 33% 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 national median of 18 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.