Analysis
Georgetown's marketing program commands nearly $75,000 in starting salaries—67% above the national median and significantly ahead of George Washington ($55K) and Catholic University ($52K). While it ranks in the 80th percentile statewide (just five DC schools offer this major), the more striking comparison is national: these graduates earn more than 95% of marketing majors across 855 programs nationwide. The $17,000 median debt is exceptionally low for a private university, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross income.
The trajectory looks sustainable, with earnings climbing to $95,343 by year four (a 27% increase). Georgetown's placement in Washington's professional economy—with access to corporate headquarters, consulting firms, and trade associations—appears to translate marketing credentials into compensation levels that rival more technical fields. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests this isn't a massive program, but the data remains reliable enough to draw conclusions.
For families who can manage Georgetown's overall cost structure, this represents a rare convergence: elite selectivity, manageable debt, and earnings that actually justify the institution's reputation. Your child would be starting their career with a significant financial advantage over peers from other marketing programs.
Where Georgetown University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Georgetown University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | $74,819 | $95,343 | +27% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $82,553 | $117,639 | +43% |
| Boston College | $66,227 | $89,379 | +35% |
| George Washington University | $54,833 | $80,945 | +48% |
| The Catholic University of America | $52,392 | $67,030 | +28% |
Compare to Similar Programs in District of Columbia
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in District of Columbia (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $65,081 | $74,819 | $95,343 | $17,000 | 0.23 | |
| $64,990 | $54,833 | $80,945 | $23,250 | 0.42 | |
| $55,834 | $52,392 | $67,030 | $27,000 | 0.52 | |
| 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 Georgetown University, approximately 10% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 49 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.