Analysis
Similar marketing programs across Georgia suggest first-year earnings around $42,500—a figure that lands this program squarely at the state median but well below what graduates from UGA or Georgia Southern typically command. The estimated $26,000 debt load produces a manageable 0.61 ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary. That's reasonable for a bachelor's degree, though the earnings gap between Thomas and Georgia's flagship programs is substantial enough to warrant attention.
The real question is whether a smaller private institution serving a nearly 50% Pell-eligible student body can deliver comparable career outcomes to the larger state universities dominating the top of Georgia's marketing graduate earnings. Peer programs nationwide suggest $44,700 in first-year earnings, so these Georgia estimates track slightly below the national benchmark. For students who need a supportive environment or prefer Thomas's location, the debt picture isn't prohibitive—but families should understand they're likely betting on longer-term career growth rather than standout starting salaries.
If your child can gain admission to one of Georgia's higher-earning public programs, the numbers favor that path. If Thomas offers specific advantages—smaller classes, closer to home, better financial aid—the estimated debt burden won't be crippling, but plan for a longer payoff timeline than marketing graduates from the state's more competitive programs typically face.
Where Thomas University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,640 | $42,494* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $11,180 | $51,951* | $66,940 | $20,000* | 0.38 | |
| $8,998 | $49,540* | $58,977 | $24,000* | 0.48 | |
| $8,122 | $49,144* | $44,873 | $27,000* | 0.55 | |
| $5,786 | $47,158* | $55,121 | $25,198* | 0.53 | |
| $5,905 | $46,640* | $54,454 | $25,762* | 0.55 | |
| 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 Thomas University, approximately 47% 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 16 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.