Analysis
Based on comparable marketing programs across Missouri, College of the Ozarks graduates would likely earn around $42,900 in their first yearβslightly below the national median of $44,728 but right in line with typical outcomes across the state. The estimated $24,600 in debt is higher than what most Missouri marketing programs produce ($23,508 median), though the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 suggests manageable repayment. What's striking here is the gap between this estimate and what Washington University marketing graduates earn ($70,819), though that's an elite private institution with different career pipelines.
The challenge is that these figures represent what *similar* Missouri programs produce, not what this specific school's marketing graduates actually achieve. College of the Ozarks operates a distinctive work-study model where students work on campus to offset costs, which might significantly reduce actual debt loads for many families. Without actual outcome data, it's impossible to know whether this school's unique approach produces better or worse results than the state average suggests. The highly selective 15% admission rate and the fact that 44% of students receive Pell grants indicate a serious academic environment serving many first-generation college students.
If you're drawn to College of the Ozarks specifically for its Christian mission and work-college model, these estimates suggest the marketing program would likely deliver solid middle-class earnings potential. Just recognize you're making this decision without knowing this program's actual track record.
Where College of the Ozarks Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,290 | $42,900* | β | $24,599* | β | |
| $62,982 | $70,819* | β | $17,500* | 0.25 | |
| $10,181 | $48,557* | $54,067 | $20,500* | 0.42 | |
| $9,024 | $43,641* | $53,891 | $25,977* | 0.60 | |
| $9,739 | $43,320* | $59,317 | $21,500* | 0.50 | |
| $9,800 | $43,070* | β | $25,950* | 0.60 | |
| 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 College of the Ozarks, approximately 44% 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 MO. Actual outcomes may vary.