Analysis
Roger Williams marketing graduates experience remarkable earnings growth, jumping from $44,506 in their first year to $69,280 by year fourโa 56% increase that outpaces most business programs. That trajectory matters because while starting salaries land squarely at the national median, the four-year mark positions graduates well above typical marketing majors. Within Rhode Island's small market of eight programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing Bryant and Providence College but outperforming URI after the initial years.
The debt picture strengthens the value proposition considerably. At $26,698, graduates carry less debt than 80% of marketing programs nationally, despite the private school tuition structure. The 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio means first-year salary covers the debt load comfortably, and by year four, that ratio becomes almost trivial. This combination of manageable debt and strong earnings acceleration creates meaningful financial flexibility early in graduates' careers.
For parents evaluating Roger Williams against Rhode Island alternatives, the key insight is trajectory over starting point. While Bryant commands higher initial salaries, the steep growth curve here suggests graduates develop marketable skills that employers increasingly value. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these patterns without the volatility of smaller cohorts.
Where Roger Williams University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Roger Williams University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roger Williams University | $44,506 | $69,280 | +56% |
| Providence College | $58,434 | $76,266 | +31% |
| Bryant University | $50,727 | $70,098 | +38% |
| University of Rhode Island | $46,394 | $66,017 | +42% |
| Salve Regina University | $42,044 | $53,783 | +28% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Rhode Island
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $42,666 | $44,506 | $69,280 | $26,698 | 0.60 | |
| $60,848 | $58,434 | $76,266 | $27,000 | 0.46 | |
| $51,169 | $50,727 | $70,098 | $27,000 | 0.53 | |
| $16,408 | $46,394 | $66,017 | $22,089 | 0.48 | |
| $47,930 | $42,044 | $53,783 | $27,000 | 0.64 | |
| $13,365 | $41,544 | $49,290 | $26,675 | 0.64 | |
| National Median | โ | $44,728 | โ | $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 Roger Williams University, approximately 16% 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 90 graduates with reported earnings and 105 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.