Analysis
Is a marketing degree worth $27,000 in estimated debt? For Notre Dame College, the answer hinges on figures drawn from comparable Ohio programs rather than direct outcomes data. Similar marketing programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $47,600 against roughly $27,000 in debt—a 0.57 ratio that aligns with what peer institutions typically produce. That puts graduates in a position to manage their debt load, though it's worth noting that Ohio's flagship programs like Miami University and Ohio State report significantly higher earnings, reaching nearly $60,000 for their marketing graduates.
The practicality here matters more than the rankings. With debt payments likely running $300 monthly on a standard repayment plan, first-year earnings from comparable programs would leave enough room for living expenses in Cleveland's relatively affordable market. Notre Dame's 39% Pell grant enrollment suggests they're serving students who need the degree to pay off, and the estimated debt-to-earnings picture—while not spectacular—clears the basic threshold of manageability. The real question becomes whether a smaller program can provide the employer connections and experiential learning that make marketing grads competitive, especially when larger Ohio schools are producing graduates who command 20-25% higher starting salaries. Visit campus, ask specifically about internship placements and where recent graduates landed jobs, and weigh whether the estimated outcomes justify the investment compared to other accessible options in the state.
Where Notre Dame College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (51 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,606 | $47,602* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $17,809 | $59,043* | $75,634 | $21,963* | 0.37 | |
| $12,859 | $56,465* | $69,870 | $21,198* | 0.38 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| 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 Notre Dame College, approximately 39% 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 36 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.