Analysis
At $15,597 in estimated debt—below the national typical figure of $19,149 for marketing associate's programs—this program appears to position students with a manageable financial burden. The estimated first-year earnings of nearly $42,000 align with what's seen nationally, suggesting graduates enter the workforce at competitive entry points. With half of students qualifying for Pell grants, the program serves a population where keeping costs down matters considerably.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 means graduates would need roughly five months of gross income to cover their debt load, a relatively comfortable starting position for an associate's degree. Marketing roles in Georgia's smaller cities and rural areas—where South Georgia Technical College draws its student base—may not command Atlanta-level salaries, but the lower cost structure helps offset that reality. The bigger question is whether associate-level marketing credentials translate to advancement opportunities or whether graduates hit a ceiling without further education.
For families in south Georgia looking at affordable paths into business fields, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value. The caveat: these figures come from peer programs nationally since this specific program's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to report. That makes it harder to assess how South Georgia Tech's local employer connections and curriculum specifically perform, but the cost advantage compared to typical marketing programs provides some cushion for uncertainty.
Where South Georgia Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,782 | $41,955* | — | $15,597* | — | |
| $4,448 | $48,724* | $46,865 | $14,943* | 0.31 | |
| $16,450 | $45,084* | — | $22,546* | 0.50 | |
| $4,058 | $44,748* | — | $19,652* | 0.44 | |
| $10,899 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| $15,117 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| National Median | — | $41,955* | — | $19,149* | 0.46 |
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 South Georgia Technical College, approximately 51% 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 national median of 18 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.