Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs β see details below.
Analysis
Is a bachelor's in Marketing worth $26,000 in debt when first-year earnings hover around $41,000? Based on comparable programs across Oklahoma, that's the question facing families considering Mid-America Christian University. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 falls within workable territoryβmonthly loan payments would claim roughly 7% of gross income under standard repaymentβbut there's little room for error. With 40% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are weighing this investment carefully against tight budgets.
The estimated $41,000 starting salary aligns almost exactly with Oklahoma's median for marketing programs, though it trails the national figure by about $3,700. More concerning is the comparison to larger state universities: OU-Norman graduates reportedly earn $57,000 right out of the gate, while even Oklahoma State tops $44,000. Marketing is a field where your network and the employer pipeline matter enormously, and smaller schools sometimes struggle to match the recruiting reach of flagship universities.
The practical calculation: if these peer-based estimates hold true, graduates would need to manage about $290 monthly in loan payments on an entry-level marketing salary. That's feasible but tight, particularly in the first year when building an emergency fund and establishing financial footing matters most. Given the uncertainty inherent in these estimates and the earnings gap compared to other Oklahoma options, families should dig into Mid-America's specific career services, alumni network in marketing, and employer relationships before committing.
Where Mid-America Christian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (14 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,896 | $41,019* | β | $26,000* | β | |
| $9,595 | $57,331* | $76,370 | $21,500* | 0.38 | |
| $10,234 | $44,366* | $56,827 | $22,250* | 0.50 | |
| $34,100 | $41,590* | β | $22,000* | 0.53 | |
| $25,900 | $40,447* | β | $21,500* | 0.53 | |
| $7,513 | $39,360* | $40,972 | $18,371* | 0.47 | |
| 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 Mid-America Christian University, approximately 40% 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 6 similar programs in OK. Actual outcomes may vary.