Analysis
Saint Peter's University's marketing graduates earn $18,709 one year after completing their degree—less than half the New Jersey median of $38,254 and dramatically below what marketing graduates earn at nearby Rutgers campuses ($48,645). This places the program in the bottom 10% statewide and bottom 5% nationally. While the $21,250 debt load is slightly below average, it still exceeds first-year earnings, creating an immediate financial strain that's unusual for bachelor's degree holders.
The small sample size here matters significantly—with fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, these numbers might reflect a few students in unusual circumstances rather than typical outcomes. However, the gap is so substantial (marketing graduates at other NJ schools earn 2-3 times more) that it's difficult to dismiss entirely. Either many graduates aren't finding marketing positions immediately, or they're accepting roles with compensation far below industry norms.
For families considering this program, the math is concerning even with the caveat about sample size. At similar or lower costs, multiple New Jersey public universities produce marketing graduates who earn more than double what this data shows. Unless your student has compelling reasons to attend Saint Peter's specifically—location, specific relationships, or other factors not captured here—the risk-reward calculation favors exploring alternatives, particularly the Rutgers system or Seton Hall.
Where Saint Peter's University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Saint Peter's University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,054 | $18,709 | — | $21,250 | 1.14 | |
| $51,370 | $50,200 | $70,858 | $23,250 | 0.46 | |
| $17,079 | $48,645 | $64,960 | $20,731 | 0.43 | |
| $17,239 | $48,645 | $64,960 | $20,731 | 0.43 | |
| $16,586 | $48,645 | $64,960 | $20,731 | 0.43 | |
| $38,900 | $44,352 | $55,199 | $27,000 | 0.61 | |
| 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 Peter's University, approximately 54% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.