Analysis
A marketing bachelor's with $37,530 in estimated debt and first-year earnings around $48,676βbased on peer programs in Arizonaβputs you in workable but not impressive territory. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 means roughly nine months of gross income to cover what you borrowed, which is manageable compared to many programs but notably higher than the state's typical debt burden of $21,812 for marketing degrees. The extra $15,000+ in borrowing matters when you're starting at under $50,000.
Looking across Arizona's marketing programs, University of Advancing Technology's estimated outcomes fall in the middle of the pack. Top-tier options like University of Arizona and University of Phoenix report graduates earning $55,000 to $63,000, while similar programs across the state cluster around the $48,676 mark. UAT serves predominantly first-generation and lower-income students (58% receive Pell grants), which may explain both the higher debt load and the open admission model.
The practical question: does UAT's tech-focused approach to marketing justify potentially borrowing 70% more than the state average? Without actual program-specific outcomes, you're betting on the school's tech angle translating to competitive salaries. If your student can access one of Arizona's lower-debt marketing options or if UAT offers significantly better aid than these estimates suggest, those paths reduce financial risk while targeting similar earnings.
Where University of Advancing Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (7 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,430 | $48,676* | β | $37,530* | β | |
| $9,552 | $63,570* | $53,053 | $45,070* | 0.71 | |
| $13,626 | $55,066* | $70,338 | $22,125* | 0.40 | |
| β | $48,676* | $68,619 | $16,500* | 0.34 | |
| $12,051 | $48,676* | $68,619 | $16,500* | 0.34 | |
| $17,450 | $45,001* | $46,758 | $24,919* | 0.55 | |
| National Median | β | $44,728* | β | $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 University of Advancing Technology, approximately 58% 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 6 similar programs in AZ. Actual outcomes may vary.