Marketing at Kansas State University

Kansas State produces marketing graduates who significantly outpace both national and state benchmarks, with first-year earnings of $50,468—about $6,000 more than typical marketing majors nationwide and the highest among Kansas public universities offering this program. That 77th percentile national ranking is particularly impressive given K-State's accessible 79% admission rate, suggesting the program delivers outsized value relative to selectivity. The 60th percentile state ranking reflects Kansas's competitive marketing education landscape, where K-State edges out the University of Kansas despite similar institutional profiles.

The $25,000 debt load sits right at the state median and produces a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates can expect to earn twice their debt in their first year. More encouraging is the 23% earnings growth to nearly $62,000 by year four, indicating these graduates build solid career momentum rather than hitting early ceilings. With over 100 graduates in the sample, these numbers reliably reflect program outcomes.

For Kansas families, this represents one of the stronger marketing programs in the state without requiring the premium of an out-of-state or highly selective private school. The combination of above-average starting salaries, reasonable debt, and strong earnings trajectory makes this a defensible choice for students serious about marketing careers.