Analysis
Similar marketing programs across Florida suggest first-year earnings around $43,800, placing St. Thomas University's estimated outcomes right at the state median. The projected debt load of $25,400 creates a manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary. This aligns closely with the national debt median for marketing degrees, though it runs slightly higher than Florida's typical $21,400.
The reality check comes from looking at Florida's top performers. Marketing graduates from UF and UM start with salaries in the low-to-mid $50,000s, creating a $10,000+ earnings gap compared to peer programs statewide. Whether that gap narrows over time or persists depends on factors these estimates can't capture: career services effectiveness, alumni networks, and employer perceptions of the degree.
For families weighing this investment, the debt burden appears reasonable relative to expected income, but the earnings trajectory matters more than the starting point. If your student has options at Florida's flagship universities or can access comparable programs with stronger employer pipelines, those alternatives deserve serious consideration. If St. Thomas offers specific advantages—location, flexibility, or financial aid that reduces actual borrowing below this estimate—then the standard debt-to-earnings picture becomes more compelling.
Where St. Thomas University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (33 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,770 | $43,773* | — | $25,429* | — | |
| $6,381 | $56,454* | $67,098 | $15,574* | 0.28 | |
| $59,926 | $53,622* | $71,357 | $19,000* | 0.35 | |
| $44,360 | $52,158* | — | $31,000* | 0.59 | |
| $12,240 | $52,158* | — | $31,000* | 0.59 | |
| $5,656 | $49,808* | $62,764 | $18,250* | 0.37 | |
| 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 St. Thomas University, 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 median of 18 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.