Analysis
An undergraduate certificate in marketing with estimated first-year earnings around $64,000 sounds promising on paper, but the reality for students at Edison State is harder to pin down. The earnings figure comes from just eight national peer programsβa thin data set that may not reflect what graduates in Piqua, Ohio actually experience. With estimated debt of $19,500, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 appears manageable, though that assumes these national benchmarks translate to this specific program's outcomes.
The bigger question is whether a certificate-level credential in marketing delivers enough specialized skills to command those earnings, or if most marketing roles requiring that salary expect a bachelor's degree. Community college certificates typically serve as stackable credentials or quick entry points to specific roles, but marketing jobs often favor candidates with broader business education. Without actual graduate outcomes from Edison State or even comparable Ohio programs, there's no way to know if this certificate opens doors to decent-paying positions or if graduates struggle to compete with bachelor's degree holders.
For families considering this path, the uncertainty is the headline. If your student already has some college credit or work experience and wants to add marketing skills quickly, this could workβbut going in blind to what Edison State graduates actually earn makes it a gamble. If a four-year degree is financially feasible, that remains the safer bet in marketing.
Where Edison State Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,379 | $63,549* | β | $19,500* | β | |
| β | $63,549* | β | β* | β | |
| β | $63,549* | β | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| β | $63,549* | β | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| β | $63,549* | β | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| $9,552 | $63,549* | β | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | β | $63,549* | β | $22,060* | 0.35 |
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 Edison State Community College, approximately 17% 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 national median of 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.