Median Earnings (1yr)
$28,853
5th percentile (25th in LA)
Median Debt
$21,335
12% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.74
Manageable
Sample Size
45
Adequate data

Analysis

Louisiana Tech's marketing graduates start at $28,853—about $9,000 below the Louisiana median and roughly $16,000 behind the national benchmark. Even within a state known for lower-than-average marketing salaries, this program lands in just the 25th percentile. Graduates from nearby University of Louisiana at Monroe, for instance, earn 51% more their first year out. The $21,335 typical debt load isn't catastrophic, but it translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74, meaning graduates owe nearly nine months of their first year's salary.

The numbers suggest this program struggles to connect students with higher-paying marketing roles. Whether that reflects curriculum gaps, limited corporate recruiting in Ruston, or industry preparation issues, the outcome is clear: most Louisiana marketing programs deliver substantially better early earnings. For families considering this path, the question becomes whether Louisiana Tech's lower tuition (compared to private alternatives) justifies the earnings gap. At these starting salaries, graduates will likely face tighter budgets during loan repayment years.

If your child is set on marketing and Louisiana Tech specifically, push them to pursue internships aggressively and consider whether the general business program might offer better outcomes. Otherwise, other Louisiana publics appear to offer meaningfully stronger return on investment for marketing careers.

Where Louisiana Tech University Stands

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

Louisiana Tech UniversityOther 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 Tech University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Louisiana Tech University graduates earn $29k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.

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 Tech University$28,853$21,3350.74
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 Tech University, approximately 21% 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 45 graduates with reported earnings and 50 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.