Marketing at East Carolina University

East Carolina's marketing program outperforms most competitors in North Carolina while keeping debt manageable—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide for earnings despite the university's 90% admission rate. First-year graduates earn $45,870, climbing to $60,002 by year four, a 31% jump that suggests strong career momentum. That puts ECU ahead of UNC Charlotte and just behind more selective schools like Meredith and NC Wesleyan, while students graduate with roughly $25,000 in debt—close to both state and national medians.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 means graduates owe about half their first-year salary, a comfortable position that becomes even more favorable as earnings grow. The 31% salary increase over four years is particularly noteworthy for marketing, where some programs see flat or declining trajectories. This earnings growth, combined with the school's accessible admissions and moderate debt load, creates a genuine value proposition for North Carolina families.

For parents weighing cost against outcomes, ECU delivers competitive results without the price tag of private alternatives like Elon. The strong sample size confirms these aren't outlier numbers—this program consistently produces graduates who find their footing quickly and see meaningful salary progression.