Analysis
Based on comparable marketing programs across Georgia, Dalton State's four-year earnings of $48,509 position graduates competitively within the state. This figure actually exceeds the state median by about $6,000 and places graduates within striking distance of programs at larger state universities like Kennesaw State and Georgia Southern. While first-year earnings estimates suggest a modest $42,000 start, the trajectory to nearly $49,000 by year four indicates solid early-career progression.
The estimated debt load of around $26,000 appears manageable against these earnings projections, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62βmeaning graduates would owe roughly seven months' worth of their starting salary. This falls slightly above the national median debt for marketing programs but remains well within reasonable territory. For a school where half of students receive Pell grants, this combination suggests the program delivers value to students who might otherwise struggle to access four-year business degrees.
The key consideration here is that we're working with estimates based on peer programs rather than Dalton State's actual outcomes. Still, the four-year earnings figure is reported data, and it tells an encouraging story. For families seeking an affordable marketing degree with solid state university outcomes, this program merits serious considerationβjust recognize you're betting on Dalton State matching what similar Georgia programs typically achieve.
Where Dalton State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalton State College | β | $48,509 | β |
| University of Georgia | $51,951 | $66,940 | +29% |
| Georgia State University | $40,414 | $59,099 | +46% |
| Georgia College & State University | $49,540 | $58,977 | +19% |
| Kennesaw State University | $47,158 | $55,121 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (26 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,283 | $42,494* | $48,509 | $26,194* | β | |
| $11,180 | $51,951* | $66,940 | $20,000* | 0.38 | |
| $8,998 | $49,540* | $58,977 | $24,000* | 0.48 | |
| $8,122 | $49,144* | $44,873 | $27,000* | 0.55 | |
| $5,786 | $47,158* | $55,121 | $25,198* | 0.53 | |
| $5,905 | $46,640* | $54,454 | $25,762* | 0.55 | |
| 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 Dalton State College, approximately 50% 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 16 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.