Analysis
Similar marketing programs in Missouri suggest first-year earnings around $42,900 against an estimated $24,600 in debtβa ratio of 0.57 that translates to roughly seven months of gross income to clear student loans. That's manageable on paper, though it leaves little margin for error. The challenge is that this estimate sits at Missouri's median, while stronger state programs routinely produce graduates earning $43,000 to $48,000 their first year. At schools like Northwest Missouri State or Missouri State-Springfield, that extra $5,000-6,000 annually represents meaningful breathing room for a new graduate making rent and loan payments.
The bigger concern is what happens beyond year one. Marketing careers typically reward experience and portfolio strength, but without actual outcome data from Culver-Stockton, parents can't assess whether graduates land roles with growth potential or entry-level positions that stall. The school's 98% admission rate and modest test scores suggest less selective peers, which sometimes correlates with weaker employer networks or career servicesβfactors that matter enormously in marketing, where connections often drive opportunity.
For families considering this program, the estimated debt load is reasonable, but the earnings projection offers no competitive advantage over peer schools with transparent track records. If your child has options at Missouri State or similar institutions with verified outcomes, those programs provide clearer visibility into what you're actually buying.
Where Culver-Stockton College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,915 | $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 Culver-Stockton College, approximately 36% 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.