Analysis
SNHU's marketing associate degree produces graduates earning $45,084 in their first year—outperforming 95% of similar programs nationwide and landing squarely at New Hampshire's median for marketing graduates. The $22,546 in typical debt translates to a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe about half their first-year salary. For context, this program beats the national earnings benchmark by more than $3,000 while keeping debt relatively modest (below the 40th percentile nationally).
What makes these numbers particularly compelling is how they hold up despite the institution's accessibility—with a 96% admission rate and nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, SNHU appears to deliver strong outcomes for students who might not have access to more selective institutions. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonably reliable data without the volatility of very small programs.
For families weighing an associate degree against going straight to work or pursuing a bachelor's, this program offers a clear financial win. Graduates earn about $10,000 more per year than the typical worker with just a high school diploma, and the debt load should be manageable on that salary—typically paid off within a few years if prioritized. This is one of the stronger associate-level marketing programs in the country.
Where Southern New Hampshire University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Southern New Hampshire University graduates compare to all 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $16,450 | $45,084 | — | $22,546 | 0.50 | |
| $4,448 | $48,724 | $46,865 | $14,943 | 0.31 | |
| $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 | |
| $12,715 | $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 Southern New Hampshire University, approximately 47% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 94 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.