Marketing at Iona University

Iona's marketing program starts graduates at about $40,000—roughly $5,000 below the national median and $3,000 below New York's median. That 21st percentile national ranking is concerning at first glance, but the story improves considerably over time. Within four years, earnings jump 36% to nearly $54,000, pulling ahead of many competing programs. Among New York marketing programs, Iona sits at the 40th percentile, meaning it's roughly middle-of-the-pack for the state despite its lower starting point.

The $24,000 debt load is manageable and actually slightly below both national and state medians for marketing programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61, graduates should be able to handle their loans even during that slower first year. The real question is whether your student can weather those early career years—the program appears designed for long-term growth rather than immediate post-graduation success.

For families prioritizing quick payback, Iona trails schools like Syracuse and Fordham by $15,000+ in starting salary. But if your student needs a more accessible entry point (91% admission rate) and can be patient with career development, the trajectory here is solid. The math works, but only if you're comfortable with a slower start and trust in that earnings growth materializing.