Marketing at Fashion Institute of Technology

FIT's marketing program starts graduates at just $37,663—roughly $7,000 below the New York state median and in the 14th percentile nationally. That's a tough launch for anyone living in one of the country's most expensive metros. The silver lining is strong earnings growth: graduates see a 53% jump to $57,625 by year four, ultimately surpassing top programs like Syracuse and Fordham. But that trajectory requires surviving those first lean years in New York City.

The debt picture adds another layer of complexity. At $18,721, graduates carry less than typical marketing students, which creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50. Still, this ranks in the 95th percentile for debt nationally—meaning 95% of marketing programs saddle students with more debt. That relative advantage matters when entry-level earnings are below average.

For families banking on FIT's specialized fashion and retail focus to command premium salaries right away, these numbers tell a different story. The program's value depends entirely on whether your child can weather below-market earnings early in their career, ideally with parental support or a second income stream. If they can reach that year-four mark, the earning potential catches up. But the immediate post-graduation reality in New York's expensive market is something to discuss seriously before committing.