Marketing at Iowa State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Iowa State's marketing program offers solid value with graduates earning $48,304 in their first year—significantly above the national median of $44,728 and slightly ahead of Iowa's state average. This performance places the program in the 67th percentile nationally and 60th percentile within Iowa, making it a respectable middle-tier option among the state's 15 marketing programs.
The debt picture is reasonable at $23,250, which is actually below both national and state medians for marketing programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48, graduates typically carry less than half their first-year salary in student loans—a manageable burden that shouldn't strain post-graduation budgets. The 24% earnings growth over four years demonstrates solid career progression potential.
While Iowa State doesn't crack the top tier of Iowa marketing programs (University of Iowa leads at $52,895), it delivers dependable outcomes at a lower debt cost than many alternatives. The robust sample size gives confidence in these numbers, and the accessible 89% admission rate means your child won't face brutal competition for entry. For families seeking a solid marketing education without excessive debt risk, Iowa State represents a practical choice that should generate positive returns.
Where Iowa State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
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 Iowa State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Iowa State University graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 67th 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 Iowa
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University | $48,304 | $60,108 | $23,250 | 0.48 |
| University of Iowa | $52,895 | $63,149 | $25,000 | 0.47 |
| Upper Iowa University | $52,313 | $52,947 | $31,000 | 0.59 |
| Drake University | $51,968 | $70,052 | $19,250 | 0.37 |
| University of Northern Iowa | $48,990 | $58,874 | $17,750 | 0.36 |
| University of Dubuque | $48,207 | $55,208 | $23,375 | 0.48 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa Iowa City | $10,964 | $52,895 | $25,000 |
| Upper Iowa University Fayette | $19,000 | $52,313 | $31,000 |
| Drake University Des Moines | $49,944 | $51,968 | $19,250 |
| University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls | $9,728 | $48,990 | $17,750 |
| University of Dubuque Dubuque | $40,065 | $48,207 | $23,375 |
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 Iowa State University, approximately 18% 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 384 graduates with reported earnings and 424 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.