Marketing at Temple University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Temple University's marketing program stands out for strong earnings growth, with graduates seeing their pay jump 33% from $47,460 in year one to $63,224 by year four. This trajectory places the program solidly in the middle tier both nationally (63rd percentile) and within Pennsylvania (60th percentile), outperforming the national median by about $3,000 initially.
The debt picture is reasonable at $26,000, which matches Pennsylvania's median for marketing programs and sits in the 31st percentile nationally—meaning most comparable programs carry higher debt loads. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, graduates typically earn nearly twice their debt burden in their first year, creating manageable repayment conditions. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these numbers reliable.
While Temple's marketing graduates won't match the $70,000+ starting salaries at elite Pennsylvania schools like Penn or Villanova, the program delivers solid middle-class outcomes with encouraging upward momentum. For families seeking a marketing degree that balances accessibility (83% admission rate) with decent financial returns, Temple offers a sensible path that outperforms most national peers without crushing debt.
Where Temple University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Temple University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Temple University graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 63th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (55 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | $47,460 | $63,224 | $26,000 | 0.55 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $82,553 | $117,639 | $17,412 | 0.21 |
| Bucknell University | $70,868 | $71,936 | $26,000 | 0.37 |
| Villanova University | $69,633 | $79,586 | $26,962 | 0.39 |
| Drexel University | $57,838 | $68,543 | $27,000 | 0.47 |
| Lehigh University | $55,236 | $85,576 | $20,534 | 0.37 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia | $66,104 | $82,553 | $17,412 |
| Bucknell University Lewisburg | $64,772 | $70,868 | $26,000 |
| Villanova University Villanova | $64,701 | $69,633 | $26,962 |
| Drexel University Philadelphia | $60,663 | $57,838 | $27,000 |
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $55,236 | $20,534 |
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 Temple University, approximately 30% 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 429 graduates with reported earnings and 428 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.