Analysis
UGA's marketing program outperforms most Georgia options while keeping debt surprisingly manageable. First-year graduates earn $52Kβabout $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 misleadingβit 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 burdenβa practical foundation that improves steadily over time.
Where University of Georgia Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Georgia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | $51,951 | $66,940 | +29% |
| Georgia State University | $40,414 | $59,099 | +46% |
| Georgia College & State University | $49,540 | $58,977 | +19% |
| Kennesaw State University | $47,158 | $55,121 | +17% |
| Georgia Southern University | $46,640 | $54,454 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (26 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $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 | |
| $40,416 | $45,374 | $42,791 | $26,000 | 0.57 | |
| 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 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.