Analysis
With an estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56, this Bachelor's in Marketing at Grove City appears manageable by conventional standards—graduates from similar Pennsylvania programs would be looking at roughly half their first-year salary in debt. That $26,000 debt estimate aligns with the state median for comparable programs, while projected earnings of $46,239 sit right at Pennsylvania's typical mark for marketing degrees.
The challenge is context. Pennsylvania's marketing programs span an enormous range, with top schools like Penn and Bucknell producing graduates who earn $80,000+ in their first year—nearly double what peer programs to Grove City suggest. Even nearby competitors like Drexel and Lehigh show substantially higher outcomes. Grove City's zero percent Pell Grant population and respectable 1261 average SAT suggest the student body isn't fundamentally different from those at higher-earning programs, which raises questions about employment networks or curriculum differences that might explain the gap.
For parents, the central question is whether Grove City's specific advantages—smaller classes, certain values, campus culture—justify accepting what comparable programs indicate will be middle-of-the-pack marketing outcomes in a state where the ceiling is much higher. The debt load won't crush your child, but the earning trajectory matters when peers at other Pennsylvania schools are starting with a 20-50% salary advantage.
Where Grove City College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (55 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,890 | $46,239* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $66,104 | $82,553* | $117,639 | $17,412* | 0.21 | |
| $64,772 | $70,868* | $71,936 | $26,000* | 0.37 | |
| $64,701 | $69,633* | $79,586 | $26,962* | 0.39 | |
| $60,663 | $57,838* | $68,543 | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $62,180 | $55,236* | $85,576 | $20,534* | 0.37 | |
| 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 Grove City College, approximately 0% 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 median of 27 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.