Analysis
Based on comparable marketing programs across Tennessee, Christian Brothers graduates can expect first-year earnings around $40,800βroughly in line with the state median but trailing stronger performers like Belmont ($46,968) and UT-Knoxville by about $6,000 annually. With an estimated debt load of $26,000, the financial picture is manageable but not compelling: you're looking at borrowing about 64% of that first year's salary, which is reasonable but hardly standout value.
The challenge here is that this estimate reflects what typical Tennessee marketing programs produce, not necessarily what CBU specifically delivers. The school's 88% acceptance rate and modest test scores suggest a less selective profile than top-performing programs in the state, which could mean the actual outcomes skew lowerβor that CBU provides strong support that helps students punch above their incoming credentials. Without program-specific data, there's genuine uncertainty about where graduates actually land.
What matters most: can your child secure employment at or above that $40,800 mark right out of college? If they're aiming for marketing roles in Memphis, where the cost of living is relatively low, this debt load won't be crushing. But if they're hoping to compete for positions with graduates from UT-Knoxville or Belmont, they'll need to build strong internship experience and networks during college to close that gap.
Where Christian Brothers University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (23 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,300 | $40,825* | β | $26,000* | β | |
| $41,320 | $46,968* | $48,037 | β* | β | |
| $13,484 | $46,896* | $55,676 | $19,500* | 0.42 | |
| $10,344 | $43,986* | $48,886 | $21,904* | 0.50 | |
| $9,506 | $43,612* | $54,938 | $20,708* | 0.47 | |
| $38,824 | $41,660* | β | $24,625* | 0.59 | |
| National Median | β | $44,728* | β | $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 Christian Brothers University, approximately 31% 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 10 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.