Analysis
With estimated first-year earnings of $45,290 and typical debt around $26,000, this marketing degree sits right at Idaho's median for the field—though it's worth noting these figures come from comparable programs statewide rather than Northwest Nazarene's specific outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 suggests graduates would dedicate roughly half their first year's salary to loans, a manageable but not insignificant burden. For context, marketing programs across Idaho cluster tightly between $39,000 and $49,000 in starting pay, with Northwest Nazarene's estimate landing squarely in the middle of that pack.
The $26,000 debt estimate exceeds both Idaho's typical $23,463 and the national median of $24,267 for marketing degrees, which narrows the financial advantage slightly. That said, similar programs in the state demonstrate that marketing graduates generally find footing around $45,000 regardless of institution—BYU-Idaho's reported $49,026 represents the ceiling rather than a dramatic outlier. The consistency across Idaho's marketing programs suggests this field has relatively stable entry-level compensation statewide.
For families evaluating this program, the key question is whether Northwest Nazarene's specific strengths—its faith-based environment, smaller classes given the 63% admission rate, or regional connections—justify debt that runs a few thousand dollars higher than state peers produce. The earnings potential appears standard for Idaho marketing graduates, so the decision hinges more on fit than financial differentiation.
Where Northwest Nazarene University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Idaho
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Idaho (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,370 | $45,290* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $4,656 | $49,026* | — | $10,630* | 0.22 | |
| $8,816 | $45,555* | $52,158 | $24,926* | 0.55 | |
| $8,782 | $45,024* | $49,168 | $22,000* | 0.49 | |
| $8,356 | $39,605* | $58,182 | $25,123* | 0.63 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728* | — | $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 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 4 similar programs in ID. Actual outcomes may vary.