Analysis
Maryland's marketing programs typically produce first-year earnings around $50,600, and McDaniel's graduates likely fall somewhere in that range based on peer institutions across the state. With estimated debt of $26,000, the ratio of 0.51 means roughly half a year's salary goes toward loans—manageable but not ideal when compared to Maryland public universities where similar programs carry median debt closer to $22,670.
The estimated earnings figure sits at Maryland's median, well above the national benchmark of $44,728, which reflects the state's stronger job market for marketing graduates. However, McDaniel's debt load runs about $3,300 higher than the state norm, likely due to its private school tuition structure. This matters because University of Maryland-College Park marketing grads earn $61,578 in their first year while carrying similar or lower debt, and even Salisbury University's program appears to deliver comparable outcomes at public school prices.
For a family weighing this investment, the key question is whether McDaniel's smaller class sizes and private college experience justify paying roughly $800 more per month in loan payments compared to Maryland's public options. The debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming, but tighter budgets exist at institutions that serve similar students—34% receive Pell grants here—while delivering competitive market access. If your student has solid public university alternatives in-state, those deserve serious consideration before committing to McDaniel's price point.
Where McDaniel College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $49,647 | $50,626* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $11,505 | $61,578* | $77,908 | $21,038* | 0.34 | |
| $10,638 | $51,157* | $53,342 | $21,842* | 0.43 | |
| $7,992 | $50,094* | $57,421 | $23,499* | 0.47 | |
| $8,118 | $42,763* | $43,888 | $30,856* | 0.72 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728* | — | $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 McDaniel College, approximately 34% 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 4 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.