Marketing at Linfield University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Linfield's marketing graduates start at $46,734—landing exactly at the 60th percentile both nationally and among Oregon's nine marketing programs. That's a solid middle-of-the-pack performance, roughly matching what George Fox delivers and outpacing programs at University of Portland and Portland State by several thousand dollars annually.
The debt picture looks particularly attractive: $27,000 puts this in the 5th percentile nationally for borrowing, meaning 95% of marketing programs saddle students with more debt. Combined with first-year earnings, that 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates should be able to manage payments comfortably. The 22% earnings jump to $57,052 by year four also suggests decent career progression, though you're not seeing the explosive growth some business programs deliver.
The significant caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 recent graduates means these numbers could shift dramatically with next year's cohort. But if you're looking at a small liberal arts college that keeps debt manageable while delivering earnings that beat larger state universities, Linfield makes a reasonable case. Just recognize you're paying for a different educational experience rather than outsized salary outcomes.
Where Linfield University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Linfield University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Linfield University graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 60th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linfield University | $46,734 | $57,052 | $27,000 | 0.58 |
| George Fox University | $46,140 | $67,336 | $21,000 | 0.46 |
| Oregon State University | $45,015 | $63,235 | $20,500 | 0.46 |
| Oregon State University-Cascades Campus | $45,015 | $63,235 | $20,500 | 0.46 |
| University of Portland | $41,792 | $50,773 | $22,821 | 0.55 |
| Portland State University | $41,395 | $58,587 | $19,500 | 0.47 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Oregon
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oregon schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Fox University Newberg | $40,940 | $46,140 | $21,000 |
| Oregon State University Corvallis | $13,494 | $45,015 | $20,500 |
| Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend | $12,594 | $45,015 | $20,500 |
| University of Portland Portland | $54,900 | $41,792 | $22,821 |
| Portland State University Portland | $11,238 | $41,395 | $19,500 |
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 Linfield University, approximately 28% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.