Marketing at University of Kansas
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Kansas marketing graduates start strong at $48,204 and see impressive momentum, jumping 40% to nearly $68,000 within four years. That trajectory outpaces both national and Kansas norms—and while K-State edges ahead by about $2,000 at the starting line, KU's graduates close that gap quickly as their careers accelerate. Among Kansas marketing programs, this lands solidly in the 60th percentile, and nationally it performs even better at the 67th percentile. For a program at a school with an 88% admission rate, that's notable overperformance.
The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $21,893, graduates owe about $4,000 less than both state and national medians, translating to a manageable 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means roughly five months of first-year salary covers the entire debt load—a comfortable cushion that allows graduates to build wealth early rather than treading water on payments.
The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings that grow rapidly makes this a practical choice for Kansas families. KU delivers what parents want from a marketing degree: graduates who land decent jobs immediately and see meaningful salary progression without carrying crushing debt into their late twenties.
Where University of Kansas 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 Kansas graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Kansas graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 67th 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 Kansas
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (21 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | $48,204 | $67,616 | $21,893 | 0.45 |
| Kansas State University | $50,468 | $61,965 | $25,000 | 0.50 |
| Washburn University | $47,963 | $57,133 | $27,000 | 0.56 |
| Fort Hays State University | $45,619 | — | $31,000 | 0.68 |
| Pittsburg State University | $44,401 | $53,586 | $23,994 | 0.54 |
| Benedictine College | $42,772 | — | $25,701 | 0.60 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Kansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas State University Manhattan | $10,942 | $50,468 | $25,000 |
| Washburn University Topeka | $9,578 | $47,963 | $27,000 |
| Fort Hays State University Hays | $5,633 | $45,619 | $31,000 |
| Pittsburg State University Pittsburg | $8,008 | $44,401 | $23,994 |
| Benedictine College Atchison | $34,800 | $42,772 | $25,701 |
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 Kansas, approximately 20% 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 102 graduates with reported earnings and 102 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.