Analysis
A two-year marketing degree that costs roughly $16,000 in debt while leading to earnings around $42,000 represents a manageable financial proposition—at least based on what we can glean from peer programs nationally. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests graduates could theoretically pay off their loans within half a year of full-time work, though that assumes disciplined budgeting and no other financial pressures.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Because Neosho County Community College's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes, we're working with national medians from similar programs. Kansas programs typically show higher earnings (around $44,000) but also carry substantially more debt (over $27,000). If this community college path delivers outcomes closer to the state pattern, the financial equation changes considerably—higher earnings would be welcome, but not if debt nearly doubles.
What matters most is what happens after that first year. Marketing associate's degrees often serve as stepping stones into sales, retail management, or digital marketing roles where advancement depends heavily on performance and additional skills. If your child can leverage this credential into steady career progression, the modest debt load won't become a burden. But if earnings stall near that $42,000 mark, this becomes a credential with limited return.
Where Neosho County Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Marketing associates's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,644 | $41,955* | — | $15,597* | — | |
| $15,340 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| 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 Neosho County Community 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 national median of 18 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.