Analysis
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's marketing program starts slow but accelerates quickly—graduates earn $40,933 initially, below both state and national medians, but jump to $56,965 by year four. That 39% earnings growth represents one of the stronger trajectories in Texas marketing programs, though you're still looking at performance around the state's 40th percentile. The debt load of $27,000 is notably higher than the Texas median of $22,130, creating a 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one that improves considerably as salaries climb.
The practical tradeoff here is clear: your child will likely need patience through those first few years while peers at UT Austin or TCU (earning $59K and $68K respectively) pull ahead immediately. However, the low national debt percentile—just 5th—means UMHB keeps borrowing relatively reasonable compared to marketing programs nationwide. For families prioritizing a private Christian university experience at an accessible price point (95% admission rate, 37% Pell recipients), this delivers workable outcomes without crushing debt.
The program works if your child can weather modest starting salaries and has reason to value UMHB's specific environment. If maximizing early earnings matters more, Texas offers stronger alternatives at similar or lower debt levels.
Where University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Mary Hardin-Baylor 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 Mary Hardin-Baylor | $40,933 | $56,965 | +39% |
| Southern Methodist University | $50,790 | $83,357 | +64% |
| Texas Christian University | $68,497 | $81,394 | +19% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $59,428 | $74,178 | +25% |
| Texas Tech University | $49,773 | $64,758 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (57 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,150 | $40,933 | $56,965 | $27,000 | 0.66 | |
| $57,220 | $68,497 | $81,394 | $19,250 | 0.28 | |
| — | $63,570 | $53,053 | $45,070 | 0.71 | |
| $11,678 | $59,428 | $74,178 | $19,625 | 0.33 | |
| $54,844 | $57,162 | $59,964 | $21,775 | 0.38 | |
| $51,352 | $55,928 | $60,350 | $23,500 | 0.42 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728 | — | $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 Mary Hardin-Baylor, approximately 37% 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 31 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.