Marketing at University of Kentucky
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Kentucky's marketing program outperforms both national and state benchmarks, with first-year graduates earning $48,100—about $3,000 more than the typical Kentucky marketing graduate and $3,400 above the national median. Among Kentucky's 12 marketing programs, UK ranks second behind only University of Louisville, delivering solid value at the state's flagship institution.
The debt picture looks reasonable at $24,225, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50. This means graduates typically owe about half their first-year salary, which falls right at national norms for marketing programs. What's particularly encouraging is the 21% earnings growth over four years, bringing median pay to $58,361—suggesting strong career trajectory for graduates.
For parents weighing options, UK's marketing program represents a straightforward value proposition: above-average earnings potential with typical debt levels at an accessible state university (92% admission rate). The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these numbers, and the program's performance in the 66th percentile nationally suggests consistent quality. While not exceptional, it's a solid choice that should provide good return on investment for most students.
Where University of Kentucky 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 Kentucky graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Kentucky graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 66th 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 Kentucky
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (12 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky | $48,100 | $58,361 | $24,225 | 0.50 |
| University of Louisville | $47,704 | $60,649 | $21,384 | 0.45 |
| Northern Kentucky University | $45,386 | $55,123 | $22,387 | 0.49 |
| Murray State University | $45,042 | $42,692 | $21,997 | 0.49 |
| Western Kentucky University | $42,478 | $53,494 | $23,250 | 0.55 |
| Eastern Kentucky University | $40,968 | $50,327 | $25,189 | 0.61 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Kentucky
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisville Louisville | $12,828 | $47,704 | $21,384 |
| Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights | $10,896 | $45,386 | $22,387 |
| Murray State University Murray | $9,708 | $45,042 | $21,997 |
| Western Kentucky University Bowling Green | $11,436 | $42,478 | $23,250 |
| Eastern Kentucky University Richmond | $10,130 | $40,968 | $25,189 |
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 Kentucky, approximately 22% 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 328 graduates with reported earnings and 319 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.