Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,274
41st percentile (40th in PA)
Median Debt
$27,000
11% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.62
Manageable
Sample Size
73
Adequate data

Analysis

Robert Morris University's Marketing program sits squarely in the middle of the pack—both nationally and within Pennsylvania. With first-year earnings of $43,274, graduates earn slightly less than the state median ($46,239) and land right around the 40th percentile among PA marketing programs. The $27,000 debt load is reasonable, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 that won't strain most budgets.

The story here is one of reliable mediocrity. Earnings grow a respectable 13% over four years to just under $50,000, which tracks with typical marketing career progression. However, there's a significant earnings gap between this program and Pennsylvania's elite options—Penn and Villanova graduates earn 60-70% more right out of the gate. Even mid-tier programs like Drexel deliver $14,500 more in year-one earnings. The 91% admission rate suggests this is an accessible option, but accessibility comes with a tradeoff in earning potential.

For families weighing cost versus opportunity, this program makes sense primarily if Robert Morris offers substantial financial aid or if your student has strong geographical ties to the Pittsburgh area. The debt is manageable and the earnings trajectory is steady, but the below-average starting salary means graduates will need to hustle early in their careers. If your child can gain admission to more selective Pennsylvania marketing programs, the earnings premium likely justifies the extra effort.

Where Robert Morris University Stands

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

Robert Morris 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 Robert Morris University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Robert Morris University graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 41th 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 Pennsylvania

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (55 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Robert Morris University$43,274$49,071$27,0000.62
University of Pennsylvania$82,553$117,639$17,4120.21
Bucknell University$70,868$71,936$26,0000.37
Villanova University$69,633$79,586$26,9620.39
Drexel University$57,838$68,543$27,0000.47
Lehigh University$55,236$85,576$20,5340.37
National Median$44,728—$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
$66,104$82,553$17,412
Bucknell University
Lewisburg
$64,772$70,868$26,000
Villanova University
Villanova
$64,701$69,633$26,962
Drexel University
Philadelphia
$60,663$57,838$27,000
Lehigh University
Bethlehem
$62,180$55,236$20,534

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 Robert Morris University, 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.

Sample Size: Based on 73 graduates with reported earnings and 78 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.