Analysis
Morgan State's marketing graduates start at $42,763βbelow both the national median and significantly trailing other Maryland schools. Among the seven Maryland programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, with nearby University of Maryland-College Park graduates earning nearly 50% more. That gap matters for Maryland families who could access other in-state options at similar tuition costs.
The positive news is manageable debt: at $30,856, it's actually lower than the national median for marketing programs, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72. With 54% of students receiving Pell grants, Morgan State clearly serves students who need affordable access to a business degree. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests reasonably consistent outcomes.
The concerning pattern is minimal earnings growthβjust $1,125 over four years, or 3%. Most marketing programs show stronger trajectory as graduates gain experience and move into management roles. For families choosing Morgan State for its mission and community, this can work financially, but those prioritizing purely economic outcomes should recognize that other Maryland public universities deliver substantially higher returns in this major.
Where Morgan State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Morgan 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan State University | $42,763 | $43,888 | +3% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $82,553 | $117,639 | +43% |
| University of Maryland-College Park | $61,578 | $77,908 | +27% |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $50,094 | $57,421 | +15% |
| Salisbury University | $51,157 | $53,342 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,118 | $42,763 | $43,888 | $30,856 | 0.72 | |
| $11,505 | $61,578 | $77,908 | $21,038 | 0.34 | |
| $10,638 | $51,157 | $53,342 | $21,842 | 0.43 | |
| $7,992 | $50,094 | $57,421 | $23,499 | 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 Morgan State University, approximately 54% 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 33 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.