Analysis
In a Boston market where marketing grads from UMass-Amherst and Assumption University reportedly earn $55,000-$58,000 in their first year, comparable programs in Massachusetts suggest Simmons graduates start around $46,500—closer to the state median but notably below stronger programs nearby. The estimated $26,949 in debt produces a manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio, which means graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary. That's reasonable on paper, though it assumes earnings track with state peers rather than underperforming them.
The four-year earnings figure of $75,956 shows meaningful salary growth and suggests the program delivers solid mid-career momentum. However, the suppressed first-year data (too few graduates to report publicly) raises questions about program size and whether outcomes might vary significantly from the state average used as a proxy. Boston's competitive marketing scene rewards grads from schools with established employer networks—something to verify directly with Simmons given we're working from peer program estimates rather than confirmed outcomes.
The practical reality: if your daughter attends Simmons for marketing, she'll likely need to budget for that first year at $46,000-ish earnings while paying down about $300 monthly on loans. That's workable in Boston if she secures housing support or roommates, but tight otherwise. Before committing, ask Simmons for their actual placement rates and starting employers—those specifics matter more than statewide averages when you're investing in a credential.
Where Simmons University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simmons University | — | $75,956 | — |
| Boston College | $66,227 | $89,379 | +35% |
| Bentley University | $60,447 | $77,885 | +29% |
| Stonehill College | $50,025 | $74,083 | +48% |
| Suffolk University | $44,424 | $65,958 | +48% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45,538 | $46,491* | $75,956 | $26,949* | — | |
| $67,680 | $66,227* | $89,379 | $18,000* | 0.27 | |
| $58,150 | $60,447* | $77,885 | $26,000* | 0.43 | |
| $17,357 | $58,462* | $62,209 | $23,750* | 0.41 | |
| $49,414 | $55,314* | $62,024 | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| $54,500 | $50,025* | $74,083 | $26,000* | 0.52 | |
| 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 Simmons University, 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.