Analysis
Georgia Southern's marketing program outperforms the state median by $12,000 at the one-year markβa significant edge over the typical Georgia marketing graduate. With earnings at the 60th percentile statewide and debt below both state and national medians, this represents a solid middle-ground option. The program trails flagship UGA by about $5,000 initially, but costs substantially less to attend for most students, making the value equation more competitive than rankings alone suggest.
The debt picture here is particularly encouraging. At $25,762, graduates carry manageable balances that represent just over half their first-year salaryβwell below the concerning 1.0 threshold. Combined with steady 17% earnings growth to $54,454 by year four, graduates appear to find their footing in the job market without being crushed by monthly loan payments. For a school with a 90% admission rate serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students, these outcomes demonstrate meaningful economic mobility.
The straightforward takeaway: Georgia Southern delivers above-average marketing outcomes at below-average cost. It won't match UGA's earning power, but the debt-to-earnings balance is more favorable than many higher-ranked programs. For families prioritizing affordability alongside career preparation, this program clears the bar with room to spare.
Where Georgia Southern University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Georgia Southern 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Southern University | $46,640 | $54,454 | +17% |
| University of Georgia | $51,951 | $66,940 | +29% |
| Georgia State University | $40,414 | $59,099 | +46% |
| Georgia College & State University | $49,540 | $58,977 | +19% |
| Kennesaw State University | $47,158 | $55,121 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,905 | $46,640 | $54,454 | $25,762 | 0.55 | |
| $11,180 | $51,951 | $66,940 | $20,000 | 0.38 | |
| $8,998 | $49,540 | $58,977 | $24,000 | 0.48 | |
| $8,122 | $49,144 | $44,873 | $27,000 | 0.55 | |
| $5,786 | $47,158 | $55,121 | $25,198 | 0.53 | |
| $40,416 | $45,374 | $42,791 | $26,000 | 0.57 | |
| National Median | β | $44,728 | β | $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 Georgia Southern University, approximately 35% 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 193 graduates with reported earnings and 170 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.