Marketing at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UIUC's marketing program produces graduates who out-earn virtually every other marketing program in Illinois—and it's not close. With first-year earnings of $69,273, graduates earn 60% more than the state median and substantially outpace even the next-best Illinois programs. This is a clear market signal: employers place exceptional value on this degree.
The financial fundamentals strengthen the case. At $20,000 in median debt—below both state and national averages—students face a debt load equal to just 29% of their first year salary. That's manageable by any standard, particularly when earnings continue climbing to nearly $79,000 by year four. Among Illinois marketing programs, this lands in the 95th percentile for earnings, and nationally it performs just as impressively.
For families weighing the in-state tuition advantage against program quality, this is where those considerations align perfectly. You're getting top-tier outcomes at what is likely a more accessible price point than many private alternatives. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates confirms these aren't outlier results—this is the consistent track record of the program.
Where University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $69k, placing them in the 95th 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 Illinois
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (37 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $69,273 | $78,864 | $20,000 | 0.29 |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | $56,684 | — | — | — |
| Illinois State University | $51,687 | $63,704 | $20,500 | 0.40 |
| Northern Illinois University | $51,137 | $59,336 | $23,875 | 0.47 |
| Loyola University Chicago | $51,065 | $73,410 | $25,000 | 0.49 |
| DePaul University | $50,012 | $67,367 | $25,000 | 0.50 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Wesleyan University Bloomington | $55,704 | $56,684 | — |
| Illinois State University Normal | $16,021 | $51,687 | $20,500 |
| Northern Illinois University Dekalb | $12,700 | $51,137 | $23,875 |
| Loyola University Chicago Chicago | $51,716 | $51,065 | $25,000 |
| DePaul University Chicago | $44,460 | $50,012 | $25,000 |
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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign, approximately 24% 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 149 graduates with reported earnings and 133 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.