Analysis
Based on comparable marketing programs across Pennsylvania, Misericordia's estimated outcomes sit squarely at the state medianβroughly $46,200 in first-year earnings against $26,000 in debt. That 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, though it's worth noting that Pennsylvania's marketing programs span an enormous range. While peer programs at places like Penn and Villanova produce graduates earning $70,000-$80,000, the typical marketing bachelor's holder in the state starts in the mid-$40s. Misericordia's 85% admission rate and modest Pell enrollment suggest it serves a different market than the state's elite programs, and its estimated outcomes reflect that positioning.
The real question is whether middle-of-the-pack outcomes justify the investment when marketing often rewards hustle and connections over pedigree. At $26,000 in debt, graduates would face monthly payments around $280 on a standard planβdoable on a $46,000 salary, but leaving little room for the networking events, city living, or professional wardrobe that marketing careers often demand. The estimated figures here don't reveal whether Misericordia's location in Dallas, PA (population 3,000) helps or hinders access to internships and entry-level marketing roles.
If your child is set on marketing and drawn to Misericordia's campus, the estimated debt burden isn't alarming. But given the lack of school-specific outcome data and the wide disparity among Pennsylvania programs, pressing the admissions office for actual job placement details and comparing net cost against larger state schools with stronger regional employer pipelines would be prudent before committing.
Where Misericordia University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (55 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,370 | $46,239* | β | $26,000* | β | |
| $66,104 | $82,553* | $117,639 | $17,412* | 0.21 | |
| $64,772 | $70,868* | $71,936 | $26,000* | 0.37 | |
| $64,701 | $69,633* | $79,586 | $26,962* | 0.39 | |
| $60,663 | $57,838* | $68,543 | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $62,180 | $55,236* | $85,576 | $20,534* | 0.37 | |
| 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 Misericordia University, approximately 19% 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 27 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.