Analysis
Similar marketing programs across Ohio typically produce graduates earning around $48,000 in their first yearβa figure that aligns with Mount Vernon Nazarene's estimated outcomes. While this meets the state median, it trails considerably behind Ohio's flagship institutions, where marketing graduates from Miami University and Ohio State often start above $56,000. The estimated $27,000 debt load, slightly above Ohio's typical $25,000 for marketing degrees, creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57βmanageable but not exceptional.
The practical math works out to roughly seven months of gross income needed to cover the total debt, assuming standard repayment. That's workable for a marketing career, though parents should recognize that the estimated earnings don't necessarily reflect the networking advantages or employer recognition that larger Ohio universities might provide. Marketing success often depends heavily on internship quality and alumni connections, factors that aren't captured in these peer-program estimates.
The bottom line: if your child is choosing Mount Vernon Nazarene for its community, values, or specific faculty relationships, the estimated financial picture shouldn't be a dealbreaker. But if they're simply looking for the strongest marketing credential in Ohio, recognize that comparable programs suggest starting earnings well below what the state's more established business schools deliverβand you're working from estimates rather than this school's actual graduate outcomes.
Where Mount Vernon Nazarene University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (51 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,524 | $47,602* | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $17,809 | $59,043* | $75,634 | $21,963* | 0.37 | |
| $12,859 | $56,465* | $69,870 | $21,198* | 0.38 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| 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 Mount Vernon Nazarene University, approximately 29% 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 36 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.