Median Earnings (1yr)
$46,640
59th percentile (60th in GA)
Median Debt
$25,762
6% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.55
Manageable
Sample Size
193
Adequate data

Analysis

Georgia Southern's marketing program outperforms the state median by $12,000 at the one-year mark—a 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 salary—well 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

Georgia Southern UniversityOther marketing programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Georgia Southern University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Georgia Southern University graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 59th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (26 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Georgia Southern University$46,640$54,454$25,7620.55
University of Georgia$51,951$66,940$20,0000.38
Georgia College & State University$49,540$58,977$24,0000.48
Augusta University$49,144$44,873$27,0000.55
Kennesaw State University$47,158$55,121$25,1980.53
Berry College$45,374$42,791$26,0000.57
National Median$44,728$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Georgia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Georgia
Athens
$11,180$51,951$20,000
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville
$8,998$49,540$24,000
Augusta University
Augusta
$8,122$49,144$27,000
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw
$5,786$47,158$25,198
Berry College
Mount Berry
$40,416$45,374$26,000

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.