Analysis
Based on comparable marketing programs in Missouri, Drury's graduates can expect first-year earnings around $42,900—matching the state median but trailing the national benchmark of $44,728. At $24,599 in estimated debt, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 sits in reasonable territory, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of gross salary. This falls in line with what marketing majors typically carry nationwide, though Missouri Western and other state schools show slightly lower debt loads while producing similar outcomes.
The challenge here is competitiveness. Washington University dominates the Missouri marketing landscape with $70,819 in first-year earnings, while several public universities—Missouri State, Central Missouri, Northwest—produce graduates earning in the low-to-mid $40,000s at potentially lower cost. Drury's 59% admission rate and solid SAT scores suggest reasonable selectivity, but peer programs indicate that similar credentials and outcomes might be available for less investment elsewhere in the state.
For families considering Drury specifically for marketing, the estimated numbers suggest a manageable but not exceptional financial proposition. The debt load is serviceable on typical marketing salaries, but you'll want to compare Drury's actual net price (after aid) against Missouri's public options that appear to deliver comparable market access. If Drury offers substantial merit aid or unique industry connections in Springfield, those factors could tip the balance.
Where Drury University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,235 | $42,900* | — | $24,599* | — | |
| $62,982 | $70,819* | — | $17,500* | 0.25 | |
| $10,181 | $48,557* | $54,067 | $20,500* | 0.42 | |
| $9,024 | $43,641* | $53,891 | $25,977* | 0.60 | |
| $9,739 | $43,320* | $59,317 | $21,500* | 0.50 | |
| $9,800 | $43,070* | — | $25,950* | 0.60 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728* | — | $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 Drury University, approximately 27% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.