Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,219
23rd percentile (60th in LA)
Median Debt
$21,500
11% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.53
Manageable
Sample Size
197
Adequate data

Analysis

LSU's marketing program shows graduates who start below the national average but catch up quickly—first-year earnings of $40,219 jump to $57,006 by year four, a 42% gain that outpaces most programs. That growth trajectory matters more than the modest starting salary. Within Louisiana, this program actually performs better than most alternatives, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide and exceeding the state median of $37,667. The $21,500 debt load is reasonable, representing about half of first-year earnings, which gives graduates breathing room as their careers accelerate.

The pattern here suggests LSU marketing grads land entry-level positions but advance more reliably than peers at other schools. While programs like Tulane show higher starting salaries, LSU delivers solid mid-career outcomes at a lower debt cost. The robust sample size (100+ graduates tracked) makes these figures reliable, not statistical noise.

For families weighing in-state options, this program offers a dependable path: manageable debt, strong earnings growth, and performance that beats most Louisiana competitors. The slower start shouldn't overshadow the momentum that follows—by year four, these graduates are earning well above where they began and tracking toward respectable mid-career incomes.

Where Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeOther marketing programs

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 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 23th 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 Louisiana

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (15 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College$40,219$57,006$21,5000.53
Tulane University of Louisiana$61,413$69,685$19,5000.32
University of Louisiana at Monroe$43,652—$20,5000.47
Southern University and A & M College$40,750$32,124$29,7500.73
Southern University Law Center$40,750———
Southeastern Louisiana University$40,650$46,308$21,5000.53
National Median$44,728—$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Louisiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Louisiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans
$65,538$61,413$19,500
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe
$9,190$43,652$20,500
Southern University and A & M College
Baton Rouge
$9,940$40,750$29,750
Southern University Law Center
Baton Rouge
—$40,750—
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond
$8,373$40,650$21,500

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 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, approximately 26% 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 197 graduates with reported earnings and 191 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.