Analysis
Earnings data from comparable California marketing programs suggest graduates start around $48,000, but the four-year figure of $73,685 indicates strong growth potentialβa 53% jump that outpaces many peer programs. The estimated $23,000 debt load produces a manageable 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. That's a reasonable starting point, particularly given the robust mid-career trajectory.
The challenge is that both the starting salary and debt figures are estimates drawn from state medians, not actual outcomes from Point Loma's program. While the school's stronger-than-average student profile (SAT of 1278, modest Pell enrollment) suggests it could perform above the state average, we're working with limited visibility into what actually happens to marketing graduates here. The four-year earnings figure is real and encouraging, but we can't track how this specific cohort progressed from year one to year four.
For a private Christian university in expensive San Diego, this estimated debt level is notably lower than many peersβcompare it to University of San Diego's similar program or national medians around $24,000. If Point Loma can deliver outcomes matching its peer group while keeping borrowing contained, this program offers solid value. Still, parents should recognize they're betting on comparisons rather than verified track records for this particular degree.
Where Point Loma Nazarene University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point Loma Nazarene University | β | $73,685 | β |
| Santa Clara University | $58,493 | $79,997 | +37% |
| University of San Francisco | $44,891 | $77,629 | +73% |
| Loyola Marymount University | $48,281 | $70,419 | +46% |
| University of San Diego | $56,313 | $69,411 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (28 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,550 | $48,229* | $73,685 | $22,988* | β | |
| β | $63,570* | $53,053 | $45,070* | 0.71 | |
| $59,241 | $58,493* | $79,997 | $19,712* | 0.34 | |
| $56,444 | $56,313* | $69,411 | $21,375* | 0.38 | |
| $13,160 | $54,286* | $45,421 | $38,234* | 0.70 | |
| $7,424 | $52,072* | $60,322 | $12,304* | 0.24 | |
| 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 Point Loma Nazarene University, approximately 23% 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 15 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.