Median Earnings (1yr)
$57,838
95th percentile (80th in PA)
Median Debt
$27,000
11% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.47
Manageable
Sample Size
155
Adequate data

Analysis

Drexel's Marketing program commands attention with first-year earnings of $57,838—nearly $12,000 above Pennsylvania's state median and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. Among the 55 Pennsylvania schools offering marketing degrees, only the Ivy League and top-tier private universities produce higher earners. What makes this particularly compelling is the debt load: at $27,000, it's just marginally above both state and national benchmarks, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 that graduates can realistically manage within their first year of work.

The program's co-op model, deeply integrated into Drexel's curriculum, appears to translate directly into market value. Earnings growth to $68,543 by year four suggests graduates aren't just landing entry-level positions—they're building momentum in their careers. This trajectory is especially notable given that many marketing programs nationwide show more modest progression. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates means these numbers reflect consistent outcomes, not statistical flukes.

For families weighing cost against opportunity, this represents a straightforward value calculation. You're paying close to typical marketing program debt but receiving outcomes that place your graduate in the top tier of the field. The 78% admission rate means this performance level is achievable for students with solid credentials, not just those clearing Ivy League bars.

Where Drexel University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally

Drexel UniversityOther marketing programs

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 Drexel University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Drexel University graduates earn $58k, placing them in the 95th 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 Pennsylvania

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (55 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Drexel University$57,838$68,543$27,0000.47
University of Pennsylvania$82,553$117,639$17,4120.21
Bucknell University$70,868$71,936$26,0000.37
Villanova University$69,633$79,586$26,9620.39
Lehigh University$55,236$85,576$20,5340.37
Susquehanna University$52,085$68,356$27,0000.52
National Median$44,728—$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
$66,104$82,553$17,412
Bucknell University
Lewisburg
$64,772$70,868$26,000
Villanova University
Villanova
$64,701$69,633$26,962
Lehigh University
Bethlehem
$62,180$55,236$20,534
Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove
$57,400$52,085$27,000

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 Drexel University, approximately 25% 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 155 graduates with reported earnings and 142 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.