Median Earnings (1yr)
$46,617
59th percentile (60th in PA)
Median Debt
$26,000
7% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.56
Manageable
Sample Size
142
Adequate data

Analysis

Shippensburg's marketing program punches above its weight, placing graduates in the 60th percentile statewide—a 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

Shippensburg University of PennsylvaniaOther marketing programs

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 Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 59th 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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania$46,617$57,867$26,0000.56
University of Pennsylvania$82,553$117,639$17,4120.21
Bucknell University$70,868$71,936$26,0000.37
Villanova University$69,633$79,586$26,9620.39
Drexel University$57,838$68,543$27,0000.47
Lehigh University$55,236$85,576$20,5340.37
National Median$44,728$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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 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.