Marketing at Roosevelt University

Roosevelt's marketing graduates start below both national and state medians—trailing nearby competitors like Illinois State and Loyola by roughly $10,000—but the trajectory tells a more interesting story. Four years out, median earnings jump to nearly $60,000, a 40% increase that outpaces typical career progression for marketing majors. This suggests graduates may be gaining valuable experience in Chicago's robust marketing sector, even if entry-level positions don't pay top dollar initially.

The debt picture is manageable: $23,869 borrowed to earn $42,720 in year one produces a ratio of 0.56, meaning graduates dedicate just over half a year's salary to debt repayment. That's reasonable, though not exceptional. Among Illinois marketing programs, Roosevelt sits near the middle of the pack in both earnings and debt—acceptable for a school with a 94% acceptance rate serving a student body where nearly half receive Pell grants. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these numbers.

For families weighing this program, the question becomes whether starting $8,000 below the state median is acceptable given the strong earnings growth. If your student can weather lower initial salaries—perhaps living at home or maintaining side income—the four-year numbers suggest catching up is feasible. The accessibility and Chicago location matter here: Roosevelt provides a realistic path into marketing careers for students who might not qualify for more selective programs.