Marketing at Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State's marketing program stands out as a solid performer that gets stronger over time, ranking in the 60th percentile among Michigan marketing programs while keeping debt manageable. With graduates earning $46,022 initially and jumping to over $60,000 by year four—a robust 31% increase—this program demonstrates the kind of earnings trajectory parents want to see.

The debt picture is reasonable at $25,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.54, meaning graduates typically owe about half their first-year salary. This sits below both national and state debt medians, giving graduates breathing room as their careers accelerate. While the program doesn't crack the top tier of Michigan schools like Michigan State ($57,275) or Central Michigan ($55,296), it significantly outperforms the state median of $44,379 and delivers steady upward mobility.

For a marketing degree from an accessible state university with a 95% admission rate, these numbers represent solid value. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates develop marketable skills that translate into career advancement, making this a practical choice for students seeking a marketing career without excessive debt burden.