Analysis
Based on comparable marketing programs in Texas, McMurry's estimated outcomes cluster right at the state medianβ$43,941 in first-year earnings against roughly $23,500 in debt. That 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable loan payments, with annual debt service likely consuming under 10% of gross income if repaid over standard terms. For a moderately selective private university serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students, these figures indicate the program produces marketable graduates without burying them in disproportionate debt.
The context matters here. Top Texas programs like TCU ($68,497) and UT Austin ($59,428) demonstrate that marketing credentials can yield significantly higher initial salaries, but those schools draw from different applicant pools and charge different tuition structures. McMurry's estimated outcomes align with what you'd typically see from regional private institutionsβsolid entry into the field without the premium earnings commanded by flagship or highly selective programs.
The limitation is that these are estimates drawn from peer schools, not McMurry's actual graduate outcomes. If you're considering this program, push the admissions office for specific employment data: where recent marketing grads landed jobs, which companies recruit on campus, and whether local Abilene employers provide internship pipelines. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but without reported data, you're making an investment based on what similar programs deliver rather than this school's proven track record.
Where McMurry University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (57 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $31,372 | $43,941* | β | $23,500* | β | |
| $57,220 | $68,497* | $81,394 | $19,250* | 0.28 | |
| β | $63,570* | $53,053 | $45,070* | 0.71 | |
| $11,678 | $59,428* | $74,178 | $19,625* | 0.33 | |
| $54,844 | $57,162* | $59,964 | $21,775* | 0.38 | |
| $51,352 | $55,928* | $60,350 | $23,500* | 0.42 | |
| 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 McMurry University, approximately 45% 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 41 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.