Analysis
For an associate's degree in Marketing, this program's estimated first-year earnings of around $42,000 trail considerably behind what Michigan programs typically produce. Similar programs across the state show median earnings closer to $49,000—about $7,000 more than what peer programs nationally suggest for St. Clair County graduates. That gap matters when you're carrying debt, even if the estimated $15,600 borrowing load sits below both state and national medians for this credential.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests manageable repayment under typical circumstances, but the earnings lag raises questions about competitive positioning. Marketing roles in Michigan clearly pay better than the national average, yet this program's outcomes appear closer to baseline national figures. Whether that reflects the Port Huron job market, employer preferences for bachelor's degrees in marketing roles, or program-specific factors isn't clear from estimated data alone.
Given the uncertainty here, focus on what the program can tell you directly: where recent graduates actually work, whether they stay in the region, and how employers in Metro Detroit versus Port Huron view associate-level marketing credentials. The community college price point offers built-in flexibility—you're not locked into a costly bet—but if your child has four-year ambitions, verify how credits transfer to Michigan universities where marketing programs show stronger returns.
Where St Clair County Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Marketing associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,076 | $41,955* | — | $15,597* | — | |
| $4,448 | $48,724* | $46,865 | $14,943* | 0.31 | |
| 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 St Clair County Community College, approximately 25% 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.