Analysis
Missouri's marketing associate degree programs show considerable variation, and Three Rivers' estimated numbers sit in an interesting middle ground. While peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $42,000, Missouri's own benchmark is notably lower at roughly $30,500. This gap matters because it hints at regional market differences that could affect actual outcomes for Three Rivers graduates.
The estimated debt load of about $15,600 compares favorably to both state and national medians, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 based on the national peer data. That's manageable territory if graduates can secure the $42,000 jobs the national figure suggests. However, if local market conditions push outcomes closer to Missouri's $30,500 median, that same debt becomes more challenging—taking roughly half a year's earnings to repay rather than four months.
The uncertainty here cuts both ways. Three Rivers serves a significant population of Pell recipients in a rural area where living costs are lower, which could make this affordable community college route sensible even at the state's lower earnings benchmark. But without actual graduate data from this program, you're making assumptions about which pattern will hold. Before committing, talk to the career services office about where recent marketing graduates actually landed jobs and at what salaries—that local intel matters more than any estimate.
Where Three Rivers College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Marketing associates's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,860 | $41,955* | — | $15,597* | — | |
| $4,184 | $30,456* | $29,869 | $30,927* | 1.02 | |
| National Median | — | $41,955* | — | $19,149* | 0.46 |
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 Three Rivers College, 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 national median of 18 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.