Analysis
Texas A&M's marketing program punches well above its weight nationally—graduates earn in the 81st percentile compared to all marketing programs—while maintaining remarkably manageable debt. First-year earnings of $51,465 jump to nearly $62,000 by year four, a 20% climb that suggests strong career momentum. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates owe less than five months of their starting salary, well below what you'll find at most business schools.
Here's the Texas context that matters: while A&M ranks at the 60th percentile within the state, that's partly because elite private schools like TCU and Baylor dominate the top tier at much higher tuition costs. A&M still outearns the typical Texas marketing graduate by $7,500 annually while charging students about $2,200 less in median debt. You're getting flagship university credentials and a robust alumni network without the financial burden of the private alternatives.
The sample size here is large, meaning these numbers reflect genuine program outcomes rather than statistical noise. For parents weighing cost against career prospects, this program delivers strong earnings potential with debt that won't dictate life decisions after graduation. It's particularly compelling for in-state students who can leverage A&M's extensive Texas business connections while keeping borrowing low.
Where Texas A&M University-College Station Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas A&M University-College Station 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $51,465 | $61,801 | +20% |
| Southern Methodist University | $50,790 | $83,357 | +64% |
| Texas Christian University | $68,497 | $81,394 | +19% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $59,428 | $74,178 | +25% |
| Texas Tech University | $49,773 | $64,758 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (57 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,099 | $51,465 | $61,801 | $19,896 | 0.39 | |
| $57,220 | $68,497 | $81,394 | $19,250 | 0.28 | |
| — | $63,570 | $53,053 | $45,070 | 0.71 | |
| $11,678 | $59,428 | $74,178 | $19,625 | 0.33 | |
| $54,844 | $57,162 | $59,964 | $21,775 | 0.38 | |
| $51,352 | $55,928 | $60,350 | $23,500 | 0.42 | |
| 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 Texas A&M University-College Station, approximately 19% 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 162 graduates with reported earnings and 146 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.