Marketing at The University of Alabama
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Alabama's marketing program stands out for delivering strong earnings growth that accelerates over time. Starting salaries of $48,879 jump to $65,054 by year four—a 33% increase that significantly outpaces typical career progression. This puts graduates in the 70th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Alabama programs, making it the top marketing program in the state.
The debt picture is reasonable at $23,071, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47. While this debt level sits around the 60th percentile nationally, it's competitive within Alabama and reflects the strong earning potential. Graduates can realistically pay down their loans while building careers that show genuine momentum.
What makes this program particularly attractive is the trajectory—marketing careers from Alabama often plateau early, but these graduates see sustained income growth well into their careers. Combined with the university's accessibility (76% admission rate) and the robust sample size giving confidence in these outcomes, this represents solid value for students serious about marketing careers.
Where The University of Alabama 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 The University of Alabama graduates compare to all programs nationally
The University of Alabama graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 70th 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 Alabama
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | $48,879 | $65,054 | $23,071 | 0.47 |
| Samford University | $47,565 | $47,133 | $18,000 | 0.38 |
| Auburn University | $45,460 | $56,959 | $20,500 | 0.45 |
| University of North Alabama | $40,470 | $52,250 | $21,500 | 0.53 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | $40,225 | — | $23,000 | 0.57 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $39,348 | $47,757 | $26,750 | 0.68 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Alabama
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samford University Birmingham | $38,144 | $47,565 | $18,000 |
| Auburn University Auburn | $12,536 | $45,460 | $20,500 |
| University of North Alabama Florence | $11,990 | $40,470 | $21,500 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville | $11,770 | $40,225 | $23,000 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham | $8,832 | $39,348 | $26,750 |
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 The University of Alabama, approximately 18% 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 350 graduates with reported earnings and 386 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.