Marketing at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University's undergraduate Marketing certificate produces first-year earnings of $44,084—roughly 30% below the national median for similar programs but essentially matching Arizona's state median. While this lands in just the 5th percentile nationally, it's more competitive within Arizona at the 40th percentile, reflecting the state's generally lower wage structure compared to coastal markets.

The debt picture offers some reassurance: at $18,500, graduates borrow about $4,000 less than the typical Arizona marketing certificate student. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 means graduates dedicate less than half their first year's income to debt—manageable territory. However, the gap between NAU's outcomes and University of Phoenix's $63,549 median in the same state suggests that program choice matters significantly, even within Arizona.

For families considering this certificate, the key question is whether it's being pursued as a standalone credential or as part of a broader degree plan. As a quick marketing foundation with modest debt, it functions adequately within Arizona's job market. But if your child is choosing between similar certificate programs, know that other in-state options deliver comparable or better earnings. The certificate works best as a low-cost entry point for students already embedded in Arizona's economy, not as a standout credential that will command premium wages.