Marketing at Emerson College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Emerson's marketing graduates start slow but accelerate impressively—launching at $41,651 but jumping 48% to $61,630 within four years. That growth trajectory stands out in a field where early-career earnings often plateau quickly. The $24,250 median debt is manageable, creating a reasonable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves substantially as salaries climb.
The catch is geography and Emerson's focus. Starting $5,000 below the Massachusetts median suggests the program doesn't immediately compete with business powerhouses like Boston College ($66,227) or Bentley ($60,447). Emerson's liberal arts and communications emphasis appears to channel graduates into creative marketing roles that pay less upfront but offer stronger growth potential than traditional corporate marketing tracks. By year four, many graduates have caught up to or surpassed peers from higher-ranking programs.
For students willing to navigate leaner early years in exchange for career momentum, this works—especially if they're drawn to Emerson's media-adjacent marketing specializations. But families expecting Boston's premium job market to translate into premium starting salaries should recalibrate expectations. The program rewards patience and delivers on growth, just not on day one.
Where Emerson College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Emerson College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Emerson College graduates earn $42k, placing them in the 30th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (28 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerson College | $41,651 | $61,630 | $24,250 | 0.58 |
| Boston College | $66,227 | $89,379 | $18,000 | 0.27 |
| Bentley University | $60,447 | $77,885 | $26,000 | 0.43 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | $58,462 | $62,209 | $23,750 | 0.41 |
| Assumption University | $55,314 | $62,024 | $27,000 | 0.49 |
| Stonehill College | $50,025 | $74,083 | $26,000 | 0.52 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College Chestnut Hill | $67,680 | $66,227 | $18,000 |
| Bentley University Waltham | $58,150 | $60,447 | $26,000 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst | $17,357 | $58,462 | $23,750 |
| Assumption University Worcester | $49,414 | $55,314 | $27,000 |
| Stonehill College Easton | $54,500 | $50,025 | $26,000 |
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 Emerson College, approximately 15% 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 83 graduates with reported earnings and 83 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.