Marketing at Drake University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Drake's marketing program delivers a rare combination: graduates earn nearly $52,000 their first year—outperforming 83% of marketing programs nationally—while carrying just $19,250 in debt, roughly 21% below the national median. That debt burden gets paid down quickly when first-year earnings are 2.7 times the debt amount. Within Iowa's competitive marketing landscape, Drake sits firmly in the middle tier for earnings, trailing the University of Iowa by just $900 but beating the state median by nearly $5,000.
The trajectory here matters as much as the starting point. Earnings jump 35% to over $70,000 by year four, suggesting Drake's connections in Des Moines corporate circles translate into real career advancement. While this isn't the state's absolute top performer for initial salary, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates meaningful financial flexibility right out of college. The moderate sample size offers reasonable confidence in these outcomes.
For parents weighing options, this represents solid value without the gamble: your child enters the workforce earning more than most marketing graduates nationwide, carries manageable debt, and has room to grow. It's not bargain-priced, but the return justifies the investment better than most marketing programs at similar institutions.
Where Drake University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Drake University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Drake University graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 83th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drake University | $51,968 | $70,052 | $19,250 | 0.37 |
| University of Iowa | $52,895 | $63,149 | $25,000 | 0.47 |
| Upper Iowa University | $52,313 | $52,947 | $31,000 | 0.59 |
| University of Northern Iowa | $48,990 | $58,874 | $17,750 | 0.36 |
| Iowa State University | $48,304 | $60,108 | $23,250 | 0.48 |
| University of Dubuque | $48,207 | $55,208 | $23,375 | 0.48 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa Iowa City | $10,964 | $52,895 | $25,000 |
| Upper Iowa University Fayette | $19,000 | $52,313 | $31,000 |
| University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls | $9,728 | $48,990 | $17,750 |
| Iowa State University Ames | $10,497 | $48,304 | $23,250 |
| University of Dubuque Dubuque | $40,065 | $48,207 | $23,375 |
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 Drake University, approximately 21% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 48 graduates with reported earnings and 46 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.