Analysis
A debt load around $15,600 looks manageable for an associate degree in marketing, particularly when peer programs across the country suggest first-year earnings in the low $40,000s. Similar two-year marketing programs nationally carry a median debt of about $19,000, so this estimated figure sits below that benchmark—though whether Rowan-Gloucester students actually face lower borrowing remains unclear given the suppressed data.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests graduates from comparable programs could reasonably handle their loan payments, assuming these estimates hold true. That said, marketing is a field where advancement often depends on experience, connections, and sometimes additional credentials. An associate degree can open doors to entry-level positions in sales, social media coordination, or marketing support, but career growth may require either exceptional performance or eventually pursuing a bachelor's degree.
The real question is whether this specific path matches your child's goals. If they're planning to transfer credits toward a four-year degree, this could be a cost-effective start. If they're aiming to enter the workforce directly, the estimated earnings suggest a livable but modest starting salary—one that makes the projected debt serviceable but leaves little room for financial missteps. Given the data limitations here, connecting with the school's career services to understand actual job placement outcomes would be particularly valuable.
Where Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,980 | $41,955* | — | $15,597* | — | |
| $4,448 | $48,724* | $46,865 | $14,943* | 0.31 | |
| $16,450 | $45,084* | — | $22,546* | 0.50 | |
| $4,058 | $44,748* | — | $19,652* | 0.44 | |
| $10,899 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| $15,117 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| National Median | — | $41,955* | — | $19,149* | 0.46 |
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 Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus, approximately 28% 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 national median of 18 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.