Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations at Stevenson University

Stevenson's marketing program shows promising earnings growth but starts graduates at a difficult salary point. With first-year earnings of $30,701 against $26,345 in debt, new graduates face a debt burden nearly equal to their entire annual income—a challenging financial position even though the debt level itself is typical for this field nationally.

The trajectory improves significantly: by year four, earnings reach $44,110, well above the national median and representing 44% growth. Among Maryland's limited options for this degree (only two schools offer it), Stevenson ranks at the 60th percentile—meaning it outperforms the state median. However, nationally it sits in just the 24th percentile, suggesting stronger programs exist elsewhere if out-of-state costs don't offset the difference.

The small sample size here matters. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, a few exceptional or struggling outcomes could skew these numbers in either direction. For families considering this program, the key question is whether your student can manage on roughly $30,000 while making loan payments for their first year or two. If they have family support during that period or can live at home, the improving earnings picture makes this workable. If they'll be entirely self-supporting from graduation, that first year will be financially tight.