Marketing at University of Georgia
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UGA's marketing program outperforms most Georgia options while keeping debt surprisingly manageable. First-year graduates earn $52K—about $9,500 more than the state median and $7,200 above the national average. Only Georgia College edges it out among in-state competitors, and UGA delivers this outcome at below-average debt ($20K versus $24K nationally). That 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly four-and-a-half months of their starting salary, which clears easily.
The trajectory looks strong too: earnings jump 29% to $67K by year four, suggesting UGA's network and brand open doors beyond entry-level roles. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile within Georgia, that's somewhat misleading—it actually beats most major state universities and costs considerably less than typical marketing degrees nationally. The robust sample size confirms these aren't outliers.
For parents weighing in-state options, this represents solid value. Your child gets flagship university credentials, reasonable debt, and earnings that exceed most alternatives from day one. UGA marketing won't make anyone wealthy overnight, but it launches careers with minimal financial burden—a practical foundation that improves steadily over time.
Where University of Georgia 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 University of Georgia graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Georgia graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 83th 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 Georgia
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | $51,951 | $66,940 | $20,000 | 0.38 |
| Georgia College & State University | $49,540 | $58,977 | $24,000 | 0.48 |
| Augusta University | $49,144 | $44,873 | $27,000 | 0.55 |
| Kennesaw State University | $47,158 | $55,121 | $25,198 | 0.53 |
| Georgia Southern University | $46,640 | $54,454 | $25,762 | 0.55 |
| Berry College | $45,374 | $42,791 | $26,000 | 0.57 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia College & State University Milledgeville | $8,998 | $49,540 | $24,000 |
| Augusta University Augusta | $8,122 | $49,144 | $27,000 |
| Kennesaw State University Kennesaw | $5,786 | $47,158 | $25,198 |
| Georgia Southern University Statesboro | $5,905 | $46,640 | $25,762 |
| Berry College Mount Berry | $40,416 | $45,374 | $26,000 |
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 Georgia, approximately 17% 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 281 graduates with reported earnings and 225 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.