Marketing at Lee University

Lee University's marketing bachelor's comes with an estimated $26,000 in debt—slightly above the national median for marketing programs but notably higher than what most Tennessee marketing programs typically carry ($21,819 median). That extra debt matters when paired with first-year earnings that similar programs in Tennessee suggest will land around $40,825, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64. This means graduates could be carrying debt equal to about eight months of their first-year salary.

The earnings picture is particularly telling when you look at Tennessee's marketing landscape. Top programs at UT-Knoxville and Belmont place graduates earning $46,000-$47,000 in their first year—roughly 15% more than what Lee's peer programs typically produce. Even mid-tier state options like University of Memphis show stronger earning trajectories. That $6,000 annual gap compounds over time, affecting both loan repayment speed and early-career financial stability.

For parents weighing this investment, the combination of above-average debt and below-average Tennessee earnings creates a tighter financial margin than you'd find at competing programs. If Lee offers something distinctive—strong alumni networks in specific industries, specialized coursework, or exceptional career services—those factors could justify the premium. But purely from a return-on-investment standpoint based on what comparable programs deliver, your child would likely start their career on firmer financial footing at one of Tennessee's public universities or higher-earning private alternatives.