Analysis
Based on comparable marketing programs in North Carolina, Queens graduates can expect to earn around $44,000 in their first year—a figure that tracks closely with both state and national medians for this major. The estimated $24,700 in debt produces a manageable 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months' salary. That's reasonable for a bachelor's degree, though it's worth noting that several NC schools with reported data show their marketing grads earning $10,000-12,000 more annually, including Elon at nearly $56,000 and NC A&T at $48,000.
The financial picture here is neither alarming nor impressive—it's squarely average. Marketing degrees typically lead to stable if unspectacular early earnings, and these estimates suggest Queens follows that pattern. The debt load is manageable enough that graduates shouldn't struggle with payments, assuming they land jobs in their field. However, with 22 marketing programs across North Carolina producing similar outcomes, Queens doesn't appear to offer a distinctive advantage that would justify choosing it over more affordable public options or higher-earning private alternatives. If your child has specific reasons to attend Queens—location in Charlotte's business hub, smaller class sizes, particular faculty connections—the numbers won't derail those plans. But the finances alone don't make a compelling case.
Where Queens University of Charlotte Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (22 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,285 | $43,619* | — | $24,727* | — | |
| $44,536 | $55,893* | $75,472 | $21,500* | 0.38 | |
| $6,748 | $48,042* | $57,147 | $27,375* | 0.57 | |
| $43,936 | $45,883* | — | $27,000* | 0.59 | |
| $35,536 | $45,880* | — | $26,354* | 0.57 | |
| $7,361 | $45,870* | $60,002 | $24,992* | 0.54 | |
| 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 Queens University of Charlotte, approximately 22% 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 11 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.