Analysis
Ohio University-Southern's marketing program produces graduates who out-earn 95% of marketing majors nationallyβyet within Ohio, this performance looks more modest, landing at the 60th percentile statewide. The $55,022 starting salary beats the national median by $10,000 and exceeds Ohio's typical marketing graduate by $7,400, but several Ohio schools (including OSU and Miami) push graduates even higher. What's striking is that OU-Southern matches the starting salaries of its sibling campuses in Chillicothe, Eastern, and Lancaster, suggesting consistent outcomes across the Ohio University system's regional campuses.
The debt picture is manageable: $25,000 translates to a 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first year's salary. By year four, earnings climb to $64,113βa solid 17% gain that suggests career momentum rather than stagnation. With over 100 graduates in the data set, these numbers reflect real patterns, not statistical noise.
For families choosing between regional Ohio campuses, OU-Southern delivers legitimate value at a price point that makes sense. You're getting near-flagship results without flagship debt, though students with the credentials for Miami or OSU main campus would likely see stronger long-term returns. This works best for students seeking a solid marketing foundation with immediate employability rather than top-tier corporate recruiting pipelines.
Where Ohio University-Southern Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Southern Campus 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University-Southern Campus | $55,022 | $64,113 | +17% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $59,043 | $75,634 | +28% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $56,465 | $69,870 | +24% |
| University of Dayton | $54,504 | $69,513 | +28% |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $47,272 | $64,541 | +37% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (51 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $55,022 | $64,113 | $25,000 | 0.45 | |
| $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 | 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 Ohio University-Southern Campus, approximately 12% 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 312 graduates with reported earnings and 307 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.