Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations at Johnson & Wales University-Online

Johnson & Wales University's online marketing operations program starts graduates at just $27,168—24% below the national median for this degree and barely above poverty-level wages in many markets. That $27,000 in debt essentially equals a full year's starting salary, which means graduates face immediate financial strain while trying to launch their careers.

The good news is that earnings jump 61% by year four, reaching $43,692, which finally brings graduates above the national median. This suggests the program may provide skills that take time to monetize, or that graduates need to "pay their dues" in entry-level roles before seeing meaningful income. Within Rhode Island's limited market (only three schools offer this program), this ranks at the 60th percentile—middle of the pack locally, but remember that the state benchmark itself sits at the bottom nationally.

For families considering this $27,000 investment, understand you're banking on a four-year trajectory rather than immediate return. Your child will likely struggle financially in those first years, potentially needing family support to manage loan payments on a $27,000 salary. If they can weather that difficult start and leverage the degree into management or sales roles, the math eventually works. But if immediate earning power matters—or if supporting them through lean early years isn't feasible—consider whether in-person marketing programs elsewhere might offer better starting outcomes.