Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests manageable financial pressure for this associate's degree, though the figures come from peer marketing programs nationally rather than Georgia Piedmont's specific outcomes. Based on these comparable programs, first-year earnings around $42,000 would allow graduates to service roughly $15,600 in debt without overwhelming their budgets—assuming employment materializes in the field.
The challenge is that Georgia has 21 schools offering associate's degrees in marketing, yet none report enough graduate data for public comparison. This widespread suppression across the state hints at either small program sizes or graduates difficult to track in Georgia's labor market. For a field as broad as marketing, where entry-level positions exist across virtually every industry, that's worth questioning. Are graduates finding work that utilizes their credential, or dispersing into roles that don't show up clearly in the data?
The estimated debt sits about $3,500 below the national median for these programs, which offers some cushion. But with 42% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are making this decision with limited financial margin for error. The math works on paper if the earnings materialize, but you're betting on outcomes drawn from other schools' experiences, not Georgia Piedmont's track record. Before committing, push the school for information on where recent graduates actually landed jobs and whether those positions required this specific degree.
Where Georgia Piedmont Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,188 | $41,955* | — | $15,597* | — | |
| $4,448 | $48,724* | $46,865 | $14,943* | 0.31 | |
| $16,450 | $45,084* | — | $22,546* | 0.50 | |
| $4,058 | $44,748* | — | $19,652* | 0.44 | |
| $10,899 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| $15,117 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| 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 Georgia Piedmont Technical College, approximately 42% 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 national median of 18 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.