Marketing at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Saint Joseph's marketing graduates earn significantly more than typical marketing majors—$50,763 in their first year versus the $44,728 national median. That's a 13% premium right out of the gate. Within Pennsylvania, the program sits comfortably in the middle of the pack, trailing elite options like Penn and Villanova but outperforming the state median by nearly $5,000. The debt load of $26,149 is typical for the field, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about six months of gross income.
What makes this program particularly attractive is the earnings trajectory. Four years into their careers, graduates see their income jump 26% to $64,176—growth that significantly outpaces the typical marketing career. This suggests the Saint Joseph's network and training create real momentum in the Philadelphia market, where many graduates likely remain. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) gives confidence these aren't fluky numbers.
For families considering Philadelphia-area options without Ivy League price tags or admission hurdles, this represents solid value. Your child graduates with manageable debt and enters the workforce earning more than three-quarters of marketing majors nationwide. The strong four-year growth indicates the degree opens doors rather than dead-ends. It's not the prestige play of Villanova down the road, but it delivers comparable early-career outcomes at what's likely a more accessible price point.
Where Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates compare to all programs nationally
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 78th 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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $50,763 | $64,176 | $26,149 | 0.52 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $82,553 | $117,639 | $17,412 | 0.21 |
| Bucknell University | $70,868 | $71,936 | $26,000 | 0.37 |
| Villanova University | $69,633 | $79,586 | $26,962 | 0.39 |
| Drexel University | $57,838 | $68,543 | $27,000 | 0.47 |
| Lehigh University | $55,236 | $85,576 | $20,534 | 0.37 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia, 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.
Sample Size: Based on 125 graduates with reported earnings and 133 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.