Analysis
A $27,000 debt load for marketing credentials in Ohio sits slightly above the state median of $25,000, though similar programs across the state suggest starting salaries around $47,600. That 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's incomeβmanageable by most standards, though not exceptional. Comparable marketing programs in Ohio show considerable variation, with top state programs like Miami University and Ohio State placing graduates into salaries exceeding $55,000.
The challenge here is limited visibility. When neither earnings nor debt data are reported for a specific program, parents are essentially betting on whether Lake Erie College's outcomes mirror the state average or diverge from it. The school's 64% admission rate and modest SAT profile suggest it serves a different student population than Ohio's flagship universities, which could translate to different employer networks and career trajectories. Marketing is a field where institutional reputation and internship connections often matter as much as coursework.
The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if they hold true, but you're working without certainty. Before committing, push the admissions office for actual placement dataβwhere recent marketing graduates work, typical starting roles, and which companies recruit on campus. If they can't provide specifics beyond general assurances, that's telling in itself.
Where Lake Erie College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (51 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,032 | $47,602* | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $17,809 | $59,043* | $75,634 | $21,963* | 0.37 | |
| $12,859 | $56,465* | $69,870 | $21,198* | 0.38 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| National Median | β | $44,728* | β | $24,267* | 0.54 |
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 Lake Erie College, approximately 29% 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 median of 36 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.