Analysis
Saint Francis University's marketing program carries an estimated $26,000 in debt—slightly above the national benchmark—for first-year earnings that align with Pennsylvania's state median of $46,239. That debt load translates to roughly half a year's salary, which sits in workable territory for most graduates but leaves less room for error than programs with lighter debt burdens.
The challenge here is understanding where this particular program fits within Pennsylvania's wide spectrum. While similar programs in the state typically produce these outcomes, the range among PA schools is dramatic—from mid-$40s at many institutions to $70,000+ at places like Villanova and Bucknell. Without program-specific data from Saint Francis, you're relying on state averages that may not capture this school's particular outcomes, whether better or worse.
The practical question is whether this debt-to-earnings balance works for your child's situation. Marketing careers often start modest but can grow significantly with experience, making that $26,000 debt manageable if the degree opens doors to advancement. However, before committing, connect with Saint Francis directly about their graduates' actual placement rates and starting salaries—information that goes beyond these state-level estimates and reveals what this specific program delivers.
Where Saint Francis University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,720 | $46,239* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $66,104 | $82,553* | $117,639 | $17,412* | 0.21 | |
| $64,772 | $70,868* | $71,936 | $26,000* | 0.37 | |
| $64,701 | $69,633* | $79,586 | $26,962* | 0.39 | |
| $60,663 | $57,838* | $68,543 | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $62,180 | $55,236* | $85,576 | $20,534* | 0.37 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728* | — | $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 Saint Francis University, approximately 18% 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 median of 27 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.