Analysis
Shippensburg's marketing program punches above its weight, placing graduates in the 60th percentile statewideβa solid outcome for a school with an 86% admission rate and middling SAT scores. First-year earnings of $46,617 edge out both the state and national medians, while the $26,000 in typical debt matches Pennsylvania's average for marketing programs. That 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can expect to earn nearly double their debt in their first year, a manageable starting point.
The 24% earnings jump to $57,867 by year four suggests graduates gain traction in their careers, likely moving into account management or marketing coordinator roles with room for advancement. While this trails elite programs like Penn or Villanova by considerable margins, it's a fair value proposition for students seeking an accessible entry point into marketing without elite-school price tags or admission hurdles.
For families weighing cost against outcomes, Shippensburg delivers practical returns. Graduates aren't breaking into the highest-paid marketing positions immediately, but they're starting with manageable debt and seeing steady income growth. If your child is motivated and willing to hustle into their first role, this program provides a functional pathway into the field without betting the farm on tuition costs.
Where Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania | $46,617 | $57,867 | +24% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $82,553 | $117,639 | +43% |
| Lehigh University | $55,236 | $85,576 | +55% |
| Villanova University | $69,633 | $79,586 | +14% |
| Bucknell University | $70,868 | $71,936 | +2% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,544 | $46,617 | $57,867 | $26,000 | 0.56 | |
| $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 | 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 Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, approximately 30% 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 142 graduates with reported earnings and 155 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.