Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Kent State University at Kent

Analysis

Kent State's specialized marketing program stands out for its strong earnings trajectory, with graduates seeing a solid 34% income boost from $36,625 in year one to $49,026 by year four. This growth pattern significantly outpaces many business programs where earnings often plateau earlier.

The program performs respectably against national competition, ranking in the 55th percentile for earnings while carrying slightly less debt than the national average. Within Ohio, it matches the state median for first-year earnings and debt levels, though with only six Ohio schools offering this specialized program, the comparison pool is limited. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.68 is reasonable for a business-oriented degree, meaning graduates can expect to earn back their student loan investment relatively quickly.

What makes this program particularly appealing is the earnings momentum—that $49,026 fourth-year median suggests graduates are finding their footing in sales and marketing roles that offer real advancement potential. For parents weighing this investment, the combination of manageable debt, decent starting salaries, and strong income growth creates a solid foundation for career development in marketing and sales fields.

Where Kent State University at Kent Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Kent State University at Kent graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Kent State University at Kent	$36,625	$49,026	+34%
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia	$56,794	$71,451	+26%
Marist University	$47,137	$68,549	+45%
Northwood University	$64,100	$65,717	+3%
Fashion Institute of Technology	$42,717	$60,232	+41%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Kent State University at KentKent	$12,846	$36,625	$49,026	$25,000	0.68
Northwood UniversityMidland	$33,000	$64,100	$65,717	$27,000	0.42
Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia	$51,340	$56,794	$71,451	$26,500	0.47
Immaculata UniversityImmaculata	$28,550	$47,289	—	$27,000	0.57
Marist UniversityPoughkeepsie	$46,140	$47,137	$68,549	$25,000	0.53
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids	$13,630	$46,695	$52,921	$26,750	0.57
National Median	—	$35,806	—	$26,750	0.75

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations graduates

Marketing Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

$159,660/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Models

Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments. May pose for photos to be used in magazines or advertisements. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.

$89,990/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and market conditions.

$78,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Search Marketing Strategists

Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Travel Agents

Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.

$48,450/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Parts Salespersons

Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.

$34,730/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers

Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

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 Kent State University at Kent, approximately 27% 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 420 graduates with reported earnings and 432 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.