Analysis
Marketing graduates in Florida face a competitive landscape where program outcomes vary dramatically—from $57,000 at UF to the $44,000 range where Flagler's program appears to land based on comparable Florida programs. That estimated first-year salary of $43,773 sits right at the state median, suggesting a middle-of-the-pack return in a state with 33 marketing programs vying for attention.
The estimated $25,000 debt load tells a more nuanced story. While it's slightly above the state median of $21,374 for marketing programs, the 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable—you're looking at debt that's roughly half a year's salary rather than approaching or exceeding it. This positions Flagler as neither a bargain nor a burden compared to peer programs, though families should note that stronger programs like UF and FSU produce meaningfully higher early earnings that could justify their costs.
The real question is whether Flagler's intimate campus and location justify what appears to be solid but unspectacular outcomes. If your child is drawn to the school's distinctive character and you're comfortable with middle-tier marketing returns, this estimated profile shouldn't disqualify it. But if maximizing early career earnings matters most, the gap between this program and Florida's top-tier options—roughly $6,000 to $13,000 annually—is worth calculating over a five-year timeframe.
Where Flagler College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (33 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26,610 | $43,773* | — | $25,429* | — | |
| $6,381 | $56,454* | $67,098 | $15,574* | 0.28 | |
| $59,926 | $53,622* | $71,357 | $19,000* | 0.35 | |
| $44,360 | $52,158* | — | $31,000* | 0.59 | |
| $12,240 | $52,158* | — | $31,000* | 0.59 | |
| $5,656 | $49,808* | $62,764 | $18,250* | 0.37 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728* | — | $24,267* | 0.54 |
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 Flagler College, approximately 28% 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 median of 18 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.