Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,401
48th percentile (60th in KS)
Median Debt
$23,994
1% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.54
Manageable
Sample Size
70
Adequate data

Analysis

Pittsburg State's marketing program sits squarely in the middle of the pack nationally, but within Kansas it offers better-than-average value. Graduates rank in the 60th percentile statewide for earnings—outperforming the Kansas median while carrying slightly less debt than typical in-state peers. The 21% earnings jump from year one to year four shows meaningful career progression, with four-year graduates earning $53,586.

The debt picture is manageable. At $23,994, students borrow roughly $1,700 less than the Kansas average for marketing programs, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 means graduates owe about half their first-year salary. Yes, graduates from Kansas State and KU earn $5,000-7,000 more initially, but they likely also pay higher tuition—Pittsburg State's more accessible price point (reflected in that lower debt) matters for families watching their budget.

This program won't catapult your child to the top of the marketing field, but it delivers solid middle-class outcomes at a reasonable cost. For Kansas families, particularly those who qualify for in-state tuition and appreciate the accessibility of an 88% admission rate, Pittsburg State represents a practical path into marketing careers without crushing debt.

Where Pittsburg State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally

Pittsburg State UniversityOther marketing programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Pittsburg State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Pittsburg State University graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (21 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Pittsburg State University$44,401$53,586$23,9940.54
Kansas State University$50,468$61,965$25,0000.50
University of Kansas$48,204$67,616$21,8930.45
Washburn University$47,963$57,133$27,0000.56
Fort Hays State University$45,619—$31,0000.68
Benedictine College$42,772—$25,7010.60
National Median$44,728—$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Kansas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kansas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Kansas State University
Manhattan
$10,942$50,468$25,000
University of Kansas
Lawrence
$11,700$48,204$21,893
Washburn University
Topeka
$9,578$47,963$27,000
Fort Hays State University
Hays
$5,633$45,619$31,000
Benedictine College
Atchison
$34,800$42,772$25,701

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 Pittsburg State University, approximately 32% 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 70 graduates with reported earnings and 77 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.