Analysis
A two-year marketing degree with estimated debt of $15,597 against first-year earnings around $42,000 creates a manageable financial picture—better than the national median debt of $19,000 for similar programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests graduates could reasonably tackle their loans while building careers, though these projections draw from peer programs nationally since College of Eastern Idaho's graduate cohort was too small for individual reporting.
Idaho's marketing landscape offers limited context, with only five schools statewide offering associate degrees in this field and none publishing outcome data. National figures suggest this is a field where earnings remain relatively compressed—even top-performing programs nationally see median earnings around $44,000, just $2,000 above the typical outcome. That modest ceiling means marketing associate degree holders aren't likely to see dramatic salary growth in those crucial early years when loan payments bite hardest.
The real question is whether an associate degree provides enough differentiation in marketing roles, which increasingly favor bachelor's holders for advancement. The lower debt load compared to peers is genuine upside, particularly if your student plans to transfer credits toward a four-year degree or enters a work-learn cycle. Just understand these numbers reflect similar programs elsewhere, not guaranteed outcomes from College of Eastern Idaho specifically.
Where College of Eastern Idaho Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,390 | $41,955* | — | $15,597* | — | |
| $4,448 | $48,724* | $46,865 | $14,943* | 0.31 | |
| $16,450 | $45,084* | — | $22,546* | 0.50 | |
| $4,058 | $44,748* | — | $19,652* | 0.44 | |
| $10,899 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| $15,117 | $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 College of Eastern Idaho, approximately 27% 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.