Analysis
A $27,000 debt load for a bachelor's in marketing would be manageable if the earnings picture were more promising, but the figures here—drawn from comparable programs in Ohio—suggest a middle-of-the-road outcome at best. Similar marketing programs in the state typically produce first-year earnings around $47,600, which lands right at Ohio's median and slightly above the national benchmark. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 isn't alarming, but it means your child would be starting with more than half their first year's salary in loans. For context, Ohio's strongest marketing programs—Miami University and Ohio State—see graduates earning $10,000 to $12,000 more annually, which compounds significantly over a career.
The broader question is whether Ohio Christian's specific context adds value that justifies even moderate debt. With a 40% admission rate and relatively accessible academics, this isn't a program banking on prestige or elite networking. Marketing is a field where early job placement and internship connections matter enormously, and without actual graduate outcomes to review, you're essentially betting that this program's career services and employer relationships can deliver results comparable to the state average. If your child has offers from programs with transparent, reported data—especially public universities where outcomes are documented—those would provide more certainty about return on investment.
Where Ohio Christian University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,700 | $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 Ohio Christian University, approximately 34% 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.