Analysis
Northwest Missouri State delivers solid returns for marketing graduates while keeping debt substantially below typical levels. Starting at $48,557 and growing to $54,067 by year four, these graduates earn comfortably above both the national median ($44,728) and Missouri's state median ($42,900). While not reaching Washington University's elite outcomes, this program outperforms most Missouri competitors at a fraction of the cost burden.
The real advantage shows in the debt picture. At $20,500, graduates carry about $4,000 less than the Missouri average and nearly $4,000 less than the national benchmark. This translates to a 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratioβmanageable monthly payments that won't derail other financial goals. The 11% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates build momentum in their careers rather than hitting an early ceiling.
For families prioritizing value over prestige, this represents a practical path into marketing. You're getting above-median career outcomes without the debt load that often accompanies business degrees. The moderate sample size means these figures are reasonably reliable, and the accessible admission profile (86% acceptance rate) makes this achievable for most students with solid academic records.
Where Northwest Missouri State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Northwest Missouri State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Missouri State University | $48,557 | $54,067 | +11% |
| University of Central Missouri | $43,320 | $59,317 | +37% |
| Southeast Missouri State University | $42,482 | $54,624 | +29% |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | $43,641 | $53,891 | +23% |
| Lindenwood University | $41,404 | $50,141 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,181 | $48,557 | $54,067 | $20,500 | 0.42 | |
| $62,982 | $70,819 | β | $17,500 | 0.25 | |
| $9,024 | $43,641 | $53,891 | $25,977 | 0.60 | |
| $9,739 | $43,320 | $59,317 | $21,500 | 0.50 | |
| $9,800 | $43,070 | β | $25,950 | 0.60 | |
| $53,244 | $42,729 | β | $24,877 | 0.58 | |
| 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 Northwest Missouri State University, approximately 27% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 67 graduates with reported earnings and 67 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.