Analysis
Salisbury University's marketing program punches above its weight nationally but falls in the middle of Maryland's competitive landscape. First-year graduates earn $51,157βoutpacing 80% of marketing programs nationwide and sitting close to the state median of $50,626. With debt of $21,842, graduates face a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe less than half their first-year salary. That's a comfortable starting position for a marketing career.
The program's placement at the 60th percentile among Maryland schools tells the real story: solid but not exceptional for the state. While Salisbury can't match University of Maryland-College Park's $61,578 outcomes, it delivers similar results to the larger University of Maryland Global Campus at a more traditional campus experience. The modest 4% earnings growth to $53,342 by year four suggests graduates may need to switch employers or pursue additional credentials to accelerate their careers, though this early plateau is common in marketing.
For families considering in-state options, Salisbury offers reliable outcomes at a reasonable price point. The debt burden is notably lower than the national median of $24,267, and the 89% admission rate makes it accessible. Just understand that while this program delivers above-average national results, it's a middle-tier choice within Marylandβwhich isn't necessarily a problem if the alternative is out-of-state tuition elsewhere.
Where Salisbury University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Salisbury University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salisbury University | $51,157 | $53,342 | +4% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $82,553 | $117,639 | +43% |
| University of Maryland-College Park | $61,578 | $77,908 | +27% |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $50,094 | $57,421 | +15% |
| Morgan State University | $42,763 | $43,888 | +3% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,638 | $51,157 | $53,342 | $21,842 | 0.43 | |
| $11,505 | $61,578 | $77,908 | $21,038 | 0.34 | |
| $7,992 | $50,094 | $57,421 | $23,499 | 0.47 | |
| $8,118 | $42,763 | $43,888 | $30,856 | 0.72 | |
| National Median | β | $44,728 | β | $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 Salisbury University, approximately 24% 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 110 graduates with reported earnings and 100 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.