Analysis
In Tennessee, marketing bachelor's programs produce a wide range of outcomes, and Lincoln Memorial's program appears to fall squarely in the middle of that pack. Based on comparable programs across the state, graduates typically earn around $40,800 in their first yearβwithin reach of the state median but trailing the stronger programs at UT-Knoxville and Belmont by roughly $6,000. With estimated debt of $26,000, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64, which means your child would owe about eight months of their first year's salary. That's manageable, though not exceptional.
The challenge here is that we're working entirely with estimates since this specific program's graduate numbers are too small for the Department of Education to report. While the state median gives us a reasonable baseline, it doesn't tell us whether Lincoln Memorial's connections, curriculum, or career services deliver better or worse results than average. The school serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (36%), suggesting it provides access, but you'll want to dig into job placement specifics and alumni networks to gauge whether graduates actually hit that $40,800 mark.
The practical takeaway: this looks like a middle-tier investment among Tennessee marketing programsβnot a standout performer, but the debt burden shouldn't be crushing either. Before committing, get hard placement data directly from Lincoln Memorial's career services office to confirm these estimates match reality.
Where Lincoln Memorial University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26,150 | $40,825* | β | $26,000* | β | |
| $41,320 | $46,968* | $48,037 | β* | β | |
| $13,484 | $46,896* | $55,676 | $19,500* | 0.42 | |
| $10,344 | $43,986* | $48,886 | $21,904* | 0.50 | |
| $9,506 | $43,612* | $54,938 | $20,708* | 0.47 | |
| $38,824 | $41,660* | β | $24,625* | 0.59 | |
| 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 Lincoln Memorial University, approximately 36% 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 10 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.