Analysis
A $41,955 first-year salary estimate positions this program well above New York's typical marketing associate outcomes—the state median sits at just $22,966. However, these figures are drawn from national peer programs rather than Bronx Community College's actual graduates, making the picture less certain than it might first appear. What's clear is that the $15,597 estimated debt burden (also from comparable programs) creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, suggesting that if actual outcomes align with similar programs nationally, graduates could handle their loan payments without major strain.
The comparison to New York programs that do report data is telling: even CUNY's NYC College of Technology, the state's top performer for this degree, shows graduates earning just $26,930—well below the national benchmark. This suggests that New York's job market for associate-level marketing positions may simply pay less than other parts of the country, which would make the national estimate overly optimistic for Bronx graduates specifically. With 57% of students receiving Pell grants, most families here are counting on this degree to deliver relatively quick returns.
Given the uncertainty and the state's lower wage patterns, treating this as a high-risk proposition makes sense. The national estimate looks promising, but the actual New York data suggests graduates typically earn far less. If your child is considering this path, understanding their likely first-year salary is somewhere between $23,000 and $42,000—a range too wide for confident financial planning.
Where CUNY Bronx Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Marketing associates's programs at peer institutions in New York (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,206 | $41,955* | — | $15,597* | — | |
| $7,332 | $26,930* | $37,231 | —* | — | |
| $6,330 | $19,002* | $46,526 | $10,953* | 0.58 | |
| 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 CUNY Bronx Community College, approximately 57% 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.