Analysis
Syracuse's marketing program commands a premium price, but the numbers justify it. First-year graduates earn $57,777βnearly $15,000 above the typical New York marketing grad and $13,000 above the national median. Among New York's 44 marketing programs, Syracuse ranks in the 80th percentile, trailing only Fordham while delivering stronger outcomes than well-regarded schools like Pace and Siena. The program also ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, placing it among the elite marketing programs in the country.
The debt picture is remarkably favorable for a private university. At $26,951, students graduate with roughly the same debt as their SUNY counterparts, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.47βmeaning graduates earn more than twice what they owe. This ratio is better than 93% of marketing programs nationally, a crucial advantage that accelerates financial independence. Earnings growth of 18% by year four suggests the program's reputation continues opening doors as graduates advance in their careers.
For families who can manage Syracuse's upfront costs, this represents one of the strongest marketing investments in the state. The combination of top-tier starting salaries, manageable debt, and solid earning trajectories makes the premium worthwhile. You're paying for access to a robust alumni network and employer relationships that translate directly into higher paychecks from day one.
Where Syracuse University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Syracuse University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University | $57,777 | $68,357 | +18% |
| Manhattan University | $49,398 | $73,714 | +49% |
| Binghamton University | $47,922 | $72,012 | +50% |
| Pace University | $48,509 | $67,096 | +38% |
| Siena College | $49,312 | $64,500 | +31% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (44 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $63,061 | $57,777 | $68,357 | $26,951 | 0.47 | |
| $61,992 | $55,261 | β | $26,933 | 0.49 | |
| $50,850 | $49,398 | $73,714 | $26,000 | 0.53 | |
| $44,405 | $49,312 | $64,500 | $27,000 | 0.55 | |
| $51,424 | $48,509 | $67,096 | $26,000 | 0.54 | |
| $40,260 | $48,403 | β | β | β | |
| National Median | β | $44,728 | β | $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 Syracuse University, approximately 16% 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 186 graduates with reported earnings and 153 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.