Location: Flagstaff, AZ•In-State Tuition: $12,652•Out-of-State Tuition: $28,900•Admission Rate: 91%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,806
Est. from national median (42 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,250
Est. from national median (16 programs)

Analysis

A marketing bachelor's degree that leads to first-year earnings around $36,000—typical for specialized marketing programs nationally—faces an uphill battle against estimated debt of $25,250. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 means graduates are looking at roughly three-quarters of their first year's salary owed in student loans, a financial burden that could stretch repayment timelines and delay other financial goals. For context, peer programs across the country carrying this credential show similar earnings patterns, suggesting the challenge isn't unique to Northern Arizona but rather reflects broader market realities for specialized marketing roles.

The estimation here matters because we're working from limited sample sizes—both earnings and debt figures come from comparable programs elsewhere rather than NAU's actual graduate outcomes. This could mean the real picture is better or worse. What we do know: marketing specializations at the bachelor's level typically don't command premium starting salaries, even as they require the same four-year investment as higher-earning business concentrations. With 30% of NAU students receiving Pell grants, that debt load hits hardest for families without financial cushion.

Before committing, your family should directly ask NAU's career services for placement data specific to this program—where graduates actually land jobs and at what salaries. The gap between estimated outcomes and reality could significantly change whether this investment makes sense.

Where Northern Arizona University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations bachelors's programs nationally

Northern Arizona University (estimated ±10%)Other specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff$12,652$35,806*—$25,250*—
Northwood UniversityMidland$33,000$64,100*$65,717$27,000*0.42
Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia$51,340$56,794*$71,451$26,500*0.47
Immaculata UniversityImmaculata$28,550$47,289*—$27,000*0.57
Marist UniversityPoughkeepsie$46,140$47,137*$68,549$25,000*0.53
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids$13,630$46,695*$52,921$26,750*0.57
National Median—$35,806*—$26,750*0.75
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations graduates

Marketing Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

$159,660/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Models

Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments. May pose for photos to be used in magazines or advertisements. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.

$89,990/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and market conditions.

$78,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Search Marketing Strategists

Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Travel Agents

Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.

$48,450/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Parts Salespersons

Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.

$34,730/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers

Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

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 Northern Arizona University, approximately 30% 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 42 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.