Median Earnings (1yr)
$42,763
37th percentile (25th in MD)
Median Debt
$30,856
27% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.72
Manageable
Sample Size
33
Adequate data

Analysis

Morgan State's marketing graduates start at $42,763—below 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 growth—just $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

Morgan State UniversityOther marketing programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Morgan State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Morgan State University graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 37th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (7 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Morgan State University$42,763$43,888$30,8560.72
University of Maryland-College Park$61,578$77,908$21,0380.34
Salisbury University$51,157$53,342$21,8420.43
University of Maryland Global Campus$50,094$57,421$23,4990.47
National Median$44,728$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Maryland

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Maryland schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park
$11,505$61,578$21,038
Salisbury University
Salisbury
$10,638$51,157$21,842
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi
$7,992$50,094$23,499

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.