Marketing at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Bachelor's Degree
lsu.eduAnalysis
LSU's marketing program shows graduates who start below the national average but catch up quicklyβfirst-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 followsβby 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
Earnings Distribution
How Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $40,219 | $57,006 | +42% |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | $61,413 | $69,685 | +13% |
| Nicholls State University | $33,229 | $49,497 | +49% |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | $40,650 | $46,308 | +14% |
| University of New Orleans | $32,624 | $42,922 | +32% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,954 | $40,219 | $57,006 | $21,500 | 0.53 | |
| $65,538 | $61,413 | $69,685 | $19,500 | 0.32 | |
| $9,190 | $43,652 | β | $20,500 | 0.47 | |
| $9,940 | $40,750 | $32,124 | $29,750 | 0.73 | |
| β | $40,750 | β | β | β | |
| $8,373 | $40,650 | $46,308 | $21,500 | 0.53 | |
| 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 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.