Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations at Dominican University

Dominican's marketing program starts slowly but shows real momentum, with earnings jumping 44% by year four to reach $43,058. While first-year earnings of $29,907 lag behind the national median by about $6,000, that's actually middle-of-the-pack for Illinois, where this program tends to pay less than in other states. By year four, graduates are outpacing both state and national benchmarks.

The $27,000 debt load is reasonable and manageable—in line with national norms for this field. That 0.90 debt-to-earnings ratio looks challenging initially, but the earnings trajectory suggests graduates can handle payments once they gain experience. Nearly half of students here receive Pell grants, indicating this program serves students who might not have other pathways to a marketing career.

The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so your child's experience could vary significantly. Still, the pattern is encouraging for parents willing to accept a slower start in exchange for solid mid-career prospects. This works best for students who can weather lower initial salaries—perhaps through living at home or having modest expenses—while building the experience that drives those later earnings gains.