Analysis
The debt here looks manageable at $16,250—below the national median for associate-level marketing programs and close to what other Wisconsin technical colleges report. Based on Gateway's estimated first-year earnings of $35,014, you're looking at debt equivalent to about five months of gross salary, which is a reasonable burden for an associate degree. However, these earnings figures come from just three Wisconsin programs, so there's limited visibility into what Gateway graduates specifically achieve.
What's striking is the earnings gap within Wisconsin itself. Rasmussen University's marketing graduates report first-year earnings of $44,293—nearly $10,000 more than the state median Gateway's estimate is based on. This suggests the quality and outcomes of marketing associate programs vary considerably even within the same state. Whether that gap reflects different curricula, employer networks, or student populations isn't clear from the data, but it's a meaningful difference when you're trying to assess return on investment.
For parents considering this path, the debt is modest enough that it won't derail financial stability, but the earnings picture is murky. If your child is set on staying in Wisconsin and values Gateway's location or specific program features, this could work—just recognize you're accepting more uncertainty about outcomes than you would with programs that have publicly reported data. Talk directly with Gateway about job placement rates and where recent graduates have landed.
Where Gateway Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Marketing associates's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,853 | $35,014* | — | $16,250 | — | |
| $11,982 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167 | 0.61 | |
| $4,724 | $35,014* | $41,562 | $12,000 | 0.34 | |
| $4,720 | $34,630* | $41,281 | — | — | |
| National Median | — | $41,955* | — | $19,149 | 0.46 |
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 Gateway Technical College, approximately 22% 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 3 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.