Marketing at Drexel University
Bachelor's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | $57,838 | $68,543 | $27,000 | 0.47 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $82,553 | $117,639 | $17,412 | 0.21 |
| Bucknell University | $70,868 | $71,936 | $26,000 | 0.37 |
| Villanova University | $69,633 | $79,586 | $26,962 | 0.39 |
| Lehigh University | $55,236 | $85,576 | $20,534 | 0.37 |
| Susquehanna University | $52,085 | $68,356 | $27,000 | 0.52 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.