Analysis
In Wisconsin, marketing programs show dramatic variation in outcomes, with graduates from UW-Madison earning $65,000 while typical programs hover around $47,000. Mount Mary's marketing bachelor's sits in this middle tier based on peer data, with similar Wisconsin programs suggesting first-year earnings near $47,000 against estimated debt of $26,000. That 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable—monthly loan payments would consume roughly 6% of gross income—but the gap between this program and the state's top performers is substantial.
The school's 58% Pell grant population and accessible admission standards indicate Mount Mary serves students who may not have access to flagship universities, which matters when considering alternatives. However, comparable marketing programs across Wisconsin suggest earnings potential that trails leading programs by $15,000-$18,000 annually. For a field where networking, internship opportunities, and alumni connections often drive initial job placement, location in Milwaukee provides advantages that smaller Wisconsin markets might not.
The practical question is whether Mount Mary's specific environment—small classes, personalized attention, urban setting—can help close that earnings gap despite what peer data suggests. The estimated debt load won't be crushing, but families should investigate the school's marketing employer partnerships and graduate placement records directly. Without actual outcome data for this specific program, you're essentially betting on Mount Mary outperforming its statistical peers.
Where Mount Mary University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,390 | $46,847* | — | $26,125* | — | |
| $11,205 | $65,224* | $83,360 | $20,500* | 0.31 | |
| $48,700 | $53,415* | $73,964 | $26,000* | 0.49 | |
| $9,277 | $51,621* | $58,813 | $21,875* | 0.42 | |
| $8,212 | $51,607* | — | $22,082* | 0.43 | |
| $36,500 | $50,175* | $58,387 | $27,000* | 0.54 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728* | — | $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 Mount Mary University, approximately 58% 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 14 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.