Marketing at Kennebec Valley Community College

This associate's program carries $14,470 in median debt—substantially below the $19,149 national median for marketing programs—making it one of the more affordable options in this field. That lower debt load matters when examining the earnings trajectory: national peer programs suggest first-year earnings around $41,955, but this specific program's graduates report median earnings of $38,395 four years out, roughly $3,500 below that initial benchmark. The earnings dip rather than climb over time raises questions about career progression.

The 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, but parents should recognize this calculation relies on estimated rather than actual first-year figures for Kennebec Valley graduates. What we know with certainty is the four-year earnings number and the debt load. At $38,395 four years into their careers, graduates would need roughly four and a half months of gross income to clear their student loans—doable, though hardly a windfall. The concern is whether earnings improve from there or plateau.

For families evaluating this program, the relatively low debt provides some cushion against uncertainty. But with 31% of students receiving Pell grants and earnings that appear to stagnate rather than grow, this looks more like a modest credential than a launching pad. If your child is certain about marketing and needs to stay local, the manageable debt keeps risk contained—just don't expect rapid salary growth based on what we're seeing here.