Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 suggests manageable financing for this short-term credential, though the figures deserve scrutiny. Both the $63,549 earnings estimate and $19,500 debt projection come from national peer programs since Johnson County Community College's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to report specific outcomes. That's not unusual for specialized certificate programs, but it means you're making decisions based on what similar marketing certificates produce nationally rather than this school's track record.
The estimated first-year earnings would place graduates well above typical entry-level wages, but marketing certificates vary wildly in their focus and employer reception. Some target specific technical skills that employers value immediately; others serve as resume add-ons that may not move the needle much on earnings. The debt estimate appears reasonable for a community college certificate, though actual borrowing could differ significantly based on individual circumstances and how long the program takes to complete.
The practical question is whether this certificate delivers skills Kansas employers will pay for, and whether those skills couldn't be acquired through Johnson County's associate degree programs instead. Without concrete outcomes from this specific program, you're essentially betting that Kansas marketing employers value this credential similarly to how employers elsewhere respond to comparable certificates. That's possible, but it's a bet made with limited information.
Where Johnson County Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,328 | $63,549* | โ | $19,500* | โ | |
| โ | $63,549* | โ | โ* | โ | |
| โ | $63,549* | โ | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| โ | $63,549* | โ | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| โ | $63,549* | โ | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| $9,552 | $63,549* | โ | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | โ | $63,549* | โ | $22,060* | 0.35 |
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 Johnson County Community College, approximately 16% 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 national median of 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.