Analysis
Marketing certificates typically require minimal investment while opening doors to decent-paying entry-level positions, and the estimated figures here—around $63,500 in first-year earnings against $19,500 in debt—suggest this pattern holds at Pasco-Hernando State College. That 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio means the estimated debt burden equals roughly four months of first-year income, a manageable position for most graduates. Since these numbers come from comparable programs nationally rather than tracked outcomes from this specific certificate, they represent what's typical across similar marketing credentials at community colleges.
The stronger signal here is what this program type generally offers: a relatively quick path to working in sales, social media coordination, or marketing support roles without the time and cost commitment of a four-year degree. The estimated $19,500 debt is notably lower than the $22,060 national median for marketing certificates, which fits Pasco-Hernando's community college pricing structure. For students already working who need credentials to advance, or those testing interest in marketing before committing to a bachelor's degree, the cost-benefit equation looks reasonable based on peer programs.
The caveat is that without school-specific outcome data, you're betting this program performs similarly to its peers. Community college certificates vary widely in employer recognition and job placement support. Before enrolling, confirm what local employers actually hire for with this credential and whether graduates reliably land jobs in the estimated salary range.
Where Pasco-Hernando State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,155 | $63,549* | — | $19,500* | — | |
| — | $63,549* | — | —* | — | |
| — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| $9,552 | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 |
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 Pasco-Hernando State College, approximately 30% 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 national median of 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.