Marketing at Radford University

Radford's marketing graduates start rough but end up in surprisingly solid territory. That first-year salary of $37,396 ranks near the bottom nationally (13th percentile), but four years out, earnings jump 59% to $59,314—outpacing the state median by more than $15,000 and landing closer to what JMU and Virginia Tech grads earn initially. This trajectory matters more than the rocky start, especially given the program's manageable $25,000 debt load.

Within Virginia's competitive marketing landscape, Radford sits squarely in the middle (40th percentile), but the earnings growth pattern tells a different story than the ranking suggests. While graduates from GMU or VCU might start with higher salaries, Radford's four-year mark actually exceeds several better-known programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 is reasonable, though that first year will feel tight financially.

The catch is patience. Students who need immediate post-graduation income to service loans or support themselves may struggle during that first year. But for families who can weather a modest starting salary, this program delivers solid mid-career outcomes at a price point that won't saddle graduates with overwhelming debt. The 91% admission rate means most applicants get in—making this an accessible path to a competitive four-year salary for Virginia marketing graduates.