Marketing at Columbia College

Columbia College's marketing program sits in an uncomfortable middle ground—not expensive enough to be a clear mistake, but not strong enough to be a confident recommendation. While the $24,599 debt load is manageable, starting earnings of just over $40,000 trail both the national median by $4,500 and Missouri's state median by $2,600. This matters because among Missouri's 21 marketing programs, graduates here rank only at the 40th percentile—meaning six in ten similar programs in-state deliver better outcomes.

The 19% earnings growth to nearly $48,000 by year four is respectable, but it doesn't close the gap with stronger alternatives. Public universities like Missouri State and University of Central Missouri produce graduates earning $43,000+ right out of the gate, often with similar or lower debt. Given that 44% of Columbia College students receive Pell grants, many families here are cost-sensitive and would benefit significantly from those extra thousands per year in early earnings.

For Missouri families, this program isn't dramatically overpriced, but it's also not competing effectively with in-state public options that cost less and launch graduates into higher-paying positions. If your child has admission offers from Missouri State or similar public universities, those represent safer bets for marketing careers.