Analysis
UT Dallas marketing graduates are clearing about $20,000 more in their first year than the typical Texas marketing grad—and doing it with 20% less debt. At $51,384 starting out and climbing to $64,110 by year four, they're outearning 81% of marketing programs nationally. The debt picture is even more striking: just $17,562 compared to the state median of $22,130, giving graduates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 that makes the degree manageable from day one.
What stands out is the combination of strong earnings growth (25% over four years) and access. While UT Dallas falls behind private schools like TCU and Baylor in first-year earnings, it delivers comparable outcomes to UT Austin's marketing program—which ranks third in the state—while maintaining a 65% admission rate. For a public university serving a student body where 30% receive Pell grants, these numbers demonstrate real economic mobility.
The caveat: within Texas, this program ranks at the 60th percentile despite strong absolute numbers, reflecting the competitive landscape of Texas marketing programs. Still, when you can earn above the national 75th percentile and graduate with minimal debt from an accessible public university, you're looking at one of the more reliable paths into marketing careers available in the region.
Where The University of Texas at Dallas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas at Dallas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $51,384 | $64,110 | +25% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,564 | $51,384 | $64,110 | $17,562 | 0.34 | |
| $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 The University of Texas at Dallas, 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 141 graduates with reported earnings and 126 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.