Analysis
Midwestern State University's marketing program punches above its weight in Texas, placing graduates in the 60th percentile for earnings statewideβa solid outcome given the school's broad accessibility and 87% admission rate. First-year earnings of $45,018 beat both the national median ($44,728) and Texas median ($43,941), while debt of $28,026 remains remarkably manageable with a 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's significantly lower debt than most Texas programs (which median at $22,130, though this includes schools with different student profiles).
The challenge here is modest earnings trajectory. By year four, graduates earn $47,212βjust 5% growth over the initial salary. While this isn't unusual for marketing roles where many graduates find their niche early and stay there, it does mean this program won't deliver the income boost seen at UT Austin ($59,428) or TCU ($68,497). However, those flagship programs come with steeper price tags and more competitive admissions.
For families prioritizing affordability and reasonable career outcomes, this program works. Your child likely won't struggle with crushing debt, and they'll earn slightly above-average salaries for Texas marketing graduates right out of the gate. Just set realistic expectations: this is a pathway to stable middle-class income, not a springboard to high-earning corporate marketing positions.
Where Midwestern State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Midwestern State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwestern State University | $45,018 | $47,212 | +5% |
| Southern Methodist University | $50,790 | $83,357 | +64% |
| Texas Christian University | $68,497 | $81,394 | +19% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $59,428 | $74,178 | +25% |
| Texas Tech University | $49,773 | $64,758 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (57 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,310 | $45,018 | $47,212 | $28,026 | 0.62 | |
| $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 Midwestern State 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.
Sample Size: Based on 39 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.