Analysis
Drexel's Marketing program commands attention with first-year earnings of $57,838βnearly $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 positionsβthey'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
Earnings Distribution
How Drexel University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | $57,838 | $68,543 | +19% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $82,553 | $117,639 | +43% |
| Lehigh University | $55,236 | $85,576 | +55% |
| Villanova University | $69,633 | $79,586 | +14% |
| Bucknell University | $70,868 | $71,936 | +2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60,663 | $57,838 | $68,543 | $27,000 | 0.47 | |
| $66,104 | $82,553 | $117,639 | $17,412 | 0.21 | |
| $64,772 | $70,868 | $71,936 | $26,000 | 0.37 | |
| $64,701 | $69,633 | $79,586 | $26,962 | 0.39 | |
| $62,180 | $55,236 | $85,576 | $20,534 | 0.37 | |
| $57,400 | $52,085 | $68,356 | $27,000 | 0.52 | |
| 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 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.