Analysis
Similar marketing programs across Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $46,000 against debt of $26,000—a manageable ratio that puts this field in solid middle-ground territory. Marketing bachelor's degrees at Pennsylvania schools produce widely varying returns, from elite programs at Penn and Bucknell that nearly double these figures to others that cluster near the state median where Geneva likely falls.
The debt-to-earnings picture looks reasonable on paper: borrowing roughly half of first-year income aligns with conventional affordability guidelines. However, the considerable gap between Geneva's peer-program estimates and Pennsylvania's top performers matters. When Drexel graduates earn $58,000 and Villanova graduates clear $69,000 in their first year, the difference compounds significantly over a career. Marketing roles increasingly concentrate in major metropolitan markets where both salary potential and professional networks differ dramatically from what smaller Pennsylvania schools typically provide.
For families weighing this investment, the critical question is whether Geneva offers specific advantages—perhaps strong regional employer relationships, internship pipelines, or a faith-integrated curriculum that matters to your family—that justify accepting middle-tier outcomes. The debt load is serviceable if your child secures typical marketing employment, but this isn't a program where the numbers alone make the case. Visit campus, talk to recent alumni about where they landed jobs, and understand whether Geneva's particular strengths align with your child's career goals beyond just the marketing major itself.
Where Geneva College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,610 | $46,239* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $66,104 | $82,553* | $117,639 | $17,412* | 0.21 | |
| $64,772 | $70,868* | $71,936 | $26,000* | 0.37 | |
| $64,701 | $69,633* | $79,586 | $26,962* | 0.39 | |
| $60,663 | $57,838* | $68,543 | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $62,180 | $55,236* | $85,576 | $20,534* | 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 Geneva College, approximately 32% 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 27 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.