Marketing at University of Maryland-College Park

Maryland's marketing program launches graduates at $61,578—38% above the national median and 20% ahead of the state's typical marketing graduate. This is flagship-level performance that justifies the university's selectivity, though it's worth noting that among Maryland's seven marketing programs, this ranks solidly middle-of-the-pack at the 60th percentile. Salisbury University actually edges it out slightly for in-state students purely focused on first-year salary.

The debt picture here is notably favorable. At $21,038, graduates owe roughly $3,000 less than the national median for marketing programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.34. That means the typical graduate could reasonably pay off their loans within four months of first-year salary—a manageable burden that leaves breathing room for other financial goals. Earnings growth to $77,908 by year four further solidifies the program's value.

For families weighing Maryland against other state options, this program delivers meaningfully higher starting salaries than most alternatives while keeping debt in check. The premium over places like Morgan State ($19,000 more in first-year earnings) makes the flagship worth the investment, even if Salisbury offers a similar outcome at potentially lower cost. This is a program where the university's brand and recruiting network translate into tangible financial advantages.