Marketing at Texas Tech University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Texas Tech's marketing program punches above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $49,773 that surge to nearly $65,000 by year four—a 30% jump that outpaces typical marketing career trajectories. At the 60th percentile among Texas programs, it trails the elite privates like TCU and Baylor but beats most state competitors while costing significantly less. The $21,117 median debt is notably lower than both national and state averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.42—meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary.
The earnings trajectory here is the real story. That climb from roughly $50K to $65K suggests graduates are moving into management roles or finding their footing in higher-paying industries faster than peers elsewhere. Combined with the manageable debt load, you're looking at a program where students can actually build wealth in their twenties rather than treading water with loan payments.
For in-state students especially, this represents solid value—competitive outcomes without the private school premium. The 71% admission rate means it's accessible, and the numbers show that accessibility doesn't translate to compromised career prospects. If your child is staying in Texas and wants practical marketing training that leads somewhere, this program delivers measurable returns.
Where Texas Tech 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 Texas Tech University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Texas Tech University graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 74th 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 Texas
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (57 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech University | $49,773 | $64,758 | $21,117 | 0.42 |
| Texas Christian University | $68,497 | $81,394 | $19,250 | 0.28 |
| University of Phoenix-Texas | $63,570 | $53,053 | $45,070 | 0.71 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $59,428 | $74,178 | $19,625 | 0.33 |
| Baylor University | $57,162 | $59,964 | $21,775 | 0.38 |
| Trinity University | $55,928 | $60,350 | $23,500 | 0.42 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Christian University Fort Worth | $57,220 | $68,497 | $19,250 |
| University of Phoenix-Texas Dallas | — | $63,570 | $45,070 |
| The University of Texas at Austin Austin | $11,678 | $59,428 | $19,625 |
| Baylor University Waco | $54,844 | $57,162 | $21,775 |
| Trinity University San Antonio | $51,352 | $55,928 | $23,500 |
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 Tech University, approximately 26% 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 211 graduates with reported earnings and 222 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.