Analysis
Is $35,000 in first-year earnings enough when you're starting with nearly $16,000 in debt? That's the question parents face with this marketing program, where both figures come from comparable Wisconsin and national programs rather than tracked graduates from Moraine Park itself. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 suggests manageable payments—roughly half a year's salary—but the earnings figure sits at Wisconsin's median for associate-level marketing programs, well below the $42,000 national benchmark.
The gap matters because marketing associate's degrees produce wide-ranging outcomes across the country. Similar Wisconsin programs show graduates earning anywhere from $34,600 to $44,300 in their first year, a $10,000 spread that could significantly affect loan repayment comfort. Without actual data from Moraine Park's program, you're making financial decisions based on what peer institutions achieve, not what this specific curriculum and employer network delivers.
For parents weighing this investment, the estimated debt level is moderate and the state comparison suggests typical outcomes for Wisconsin. But the lack of tracked graduate data means you can't verify whether Moraine Park's connections to local employers justify choosing this program over documented alternatives nearby. If your child is certain about marketing, comparing this to programs with reported outcomes would reduce the guesswork considerably.
Where Moraine Park Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Marketing associates's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (16 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,713 | $35,014* | — | $15,597* | — | |
| $11,982 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| $4,724 | $35,014* | $41,562 | $12,000* | 0.34 | |
| $4,720 | $34,630* | $41,281 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $41,955* | — | $19,149* | 0.46 |
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 Moraine Park Technical College, approximately 20% 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 3 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.