Analysis
Sullivan County Community College's marketing associate's program carries an estimated debt load of around $15,600—notably lower than both the state and national medians for similar programs. That's meaningful when the alternative might be borrowing $19,000 or more at other institutions. Based on comparable programs nationally, first-year earnings hover around $42,000, though it's worth noting that marketing associate's programs across New York show considerably more modest outcomes, with the state median sitting at just $23,000.
The gap between national estimates and New York's actual outcomes is striking and should give you pause. Even the top marketing programs in the state—at CUNY's NYC College of Technology and Nassau Community College—report graduates earning in the mid-to-upper $20,000s in their first year. This suggests the $42,000 estimate drawn from national peer programs may not reflect what actually happens for marketing graduates in New York's labor market.
The practical implication: you're looking at a program where the debt seems manageable, but the earning potential in New York appears significantly lower than national benchmarks suggest. If your child plans to stay in-state after graduation, the actual return could be weaker than the numbers imply. Before committing, find out where Sullivan's marketing graduates actually work and what they earn—and whether those jobs require staying in the relatively rural Catskills region or relocate to downstate markets where opportunity might differ.
Where Sullivan County Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Marketing associates's programs at peer institutions in New York (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,288 | $41,955* | — | $15,597* | — | |
| $7,332 | $26,930* | $37,231 | —* | — | |
| $6,330 | $19,002* | $46,526 | $10,953* | 0.58 | |
| 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 Sullivan County Community College, approximately 27% 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.