Marketing at Clemson University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Clemson's marketing program stands out as the second-best performing option in South Carolina, trailing only USC-Columbia while commanding a significant $10,500 earnings premium over the state median. That 80th percentile ranking matters because most South Carolina students stay in-state, and Clemson delivers regional recognition that translates into stronger starting salaries than nearly every competitor.
The numbers themselves paint an encouraging picture: graduates start at $47,600 and see their earnings jump 32% to nearly $63,000 within four years. The debt load of $23,250 is actually below both state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5. While the year-one salary isn't eye-popping compared to national marketing programs (64th percentile), the growth trajectory suggests Clemson grads are landing roles with advancement potential rather than hitting early ceilings.
For South Carolina families, this represents solid value—you're getting the second-strongest marketing program in the state at reasonable debt levels. The $5,000 salary gap between Clemson and USC-Columbia may be worth considering, but Clemson's combination of competitive starting pay, strong earnings growth, and below-average debt makes it a financially sound choice for students committed to marketing careers.
Where Clemson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Clemson University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Clemson University graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 64th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson University | $47,606 | $62,978 | $23,250 | 0.49 |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | $52,374 | $62,400 | $23,750 | 0.45 |
| Limestone University | $43,169 | — | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| College of Charleston | $40,723 | $56,514 | $22,250 | 0.55 |
| Anderson University | $37,066 | $47,789 | $25,250 | 0.68 |
| Coastal Carolina University | $35,924 | $53,971 | $26,000 | 0.72 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in South Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia | $12,688 | $52,374 | $23,750 |
| Limestone University Gaffney | $27,500 | $43,169 | $27,000 |
| College of Charleston Charleston | $12,978 | $40,723 | $22,250 |
| Anderson University Anderson | $33,580 | $37,066 | $25,250 |
| Coastal Carolina University Conway | $11,640 | $35,924 | $26,000 |
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 Clemson University, approximately 15% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 212 graduates with reported earnings and 215 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.