Marketing at Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University's marketing program sits squarely in the middle of the pack—60th percentile both nationally and among Illinois schools—but that positioning comes with a significant price advantage. Starting salaries of $46,844 exceed both the state median ($43,320) and national median ($44,728), while debt loads remain comparable to peers at around $24,250. The 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates need roughly six months of their starting salary to cover their loans, a manageable burden that leaves room for other financial goals.

The real question is whether settling for the middle tier makes sense when Illinois offers several stronger options. U of I Urbana-Champaign grads earn nearly 50% more right out of the gate, and even Illinois State and Northern Illinois deliver 10% higher starting salaries. However, Eastern Illinois's 68% admission rate makes it accessible to students who might not crack into those more selective programs. The 12% earnings growth to $52,427 by year four shows steady progression, even if it doesn't catapult graduates into higher income brackets.

For families with modest budgets—note that 31% of students receive Pell grants—this program offers a straightforward path: reasonable debt, above-average starting pay, and credentials that meet employer expectations. If your child can gain admission to Illinois State or Northern Illinois, the earnings bump likely justifies comparable debt levels. But Eastern Illinois won't leave marketing graduates underwater financially, which matters more than prestige for many families.