Analysis
Tennessee's marketing programs show a surprising spread in outcomes, with top performers reaching nearly $47,000 in first-year earnings while the state median sits around $41,000. Tennessee Wesleyan's estimated figures align with this middle tier—comparable programs in the state suggest earnings of about $41,000 against roughly $26,000 in debt. That 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory, though it's worth noting that the estimated debt runs slightly higher than Tennessee's typical $22,000 for marketing degrees.
The challenge here is visibility. With no reported outcomes for this specific program, you're essentially betting on Tennessee Wesleyan producing results similar to the state average. The school serves a substantial number of Pell grant recipients (38%), which often correlates with strong student support, but you're still looking at a $5,000-$6,000 gap between these estimates and what graduates from UT-Knoxville or Belmont typically earn. In marketing, where networking and employer connections matter considerably, that gap could reflect real differences in career launch opportunities.
For an anxious parent, the question is whether Tennessee Wesleyan's environment—likely smaller class sizes and more personal attention given its selectivity—compensates for potentially fewer corporate recruiting pipelines. The estimated debt load won't crush your graduate, but without concrete data on this program's actual track record, you're making this decision somewhat blind.
Where Tennessee Wesleyan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,264 | $40,825* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $41,320 | $46,968* | $48,037 | —* | — | |
| $13,484 | $46,896* | $55,676 | $19,500* | 0.42 | |
| $10,344 | $43,986* | $48,886 | $21,904* | 0.50 | |
| $9,506 | $43,612* | $54,938 | $20,708* | 0.47 | |
| $38,824 | $41,660* | — | $24,625* | 0.59 | |
| 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 Tennessee Wesleyan University, approximately 38% 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 10 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.