Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 signals a manageable financial start for this two-year program. Based on comparable Marketing associate's degree programs nationwide, students here are likely borrowing around $15,600 while landing first-year jobs near $42,000—meaning they'd owe roughly four and a half months of gross income. That's notably better than the national median debt of $19,000 for similar programs, suggesting Lewis-Clark State may offer a more affordable path than many competitors.
The challenge is that we're working entirely with estimates here. With only five Marketing associate's programs in Idaho and no reported outcomes from any of them, there's genuine uncertainty about whether Lewiston's job market—a city of under 35,000—supports these earning levels for new marketing graduates. The 90% admission rate and 24% Pell grant percentage indicate an accessible school serving a modest-income population, which could mean stronger local employer connections or simply limited alternatives.
For families evaluating this program, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable economics if the earnings materialize. But press the school directly: where do their Marketing graduates actually work, and what do they actually earn? Without verified outcomes from this specific program, you're betting on national averages holding true in a small Idaho market—a gamble that requires more local intelligence than the data can provide.
Where Lewis-Clark State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,388 | $41,955* | — | $15,597* | — | |
| $4,448 | $48,724* | $46,865 | $14,943* | 0.31 | |
| $16,450 | $45,084* | — | $22,546* | 0.50 | |
| $4,058 | $44,748* | — | $19,652* | 0.44 | |
| $10,899 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| $15,117 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| National Median | — | $41,955* | — | $19,149* | 0.46 |
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 Lewis-Clark State College, approximately 24% 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 national median of 18 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.