Marketing at Franciscan University of Steubenville

Franciscan University's marketing program starts graduates at $37,833—roughly $10,000 below Ohio's median for marketing majors and $7,000 under the national average. Within Ohio's 51 marketing programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of comparable state programs deliver stronger initial earnings. The gap widens dramatically when compared to Ohio's flagship programs, where graduates earn $20,000 more right out of the gate.

The $25,000 debt load matches both state and national medians, which sounds manageable until you pair it with those below-average earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 isn't catastrophic, but it means graduates carry debt equivalent to about eight months of their first-year salary—a heavier lift than at programs where earnings outpace the Ohio norm. For a private university charging accordingly, the return looks underwhelming compared to what nearby public institutions deliver.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances heavily influence these numbers. If your student is drawn to Franciscan for factors beyond pure earnings potential—mission fit, community, or specific faculty—understand they're likely trading initial salary for those intangibles. For families prioritizing financial outcomes, Ohio offers multiple marketing programs with significantly stronger earnings trajectories at potentially lower tuition costs.