Location: College Park, MD•In-State Tuition: $11,505•Out-of-State Tuition: $40,306•Admission Rate: 45%•Avg SAT: 1463
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,806
Est. from national median (42 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,250
Est. from national median (16 programs)

Analysis

At University of Maryland-College Park, a specialized marketing bachelor's degree carries an estimated $25,250 in debt against first-year earnings that peer programs nationally suggest land around $35,800. That 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within workable territory—graduates would need roughly nine months of their first year's salary to cover their loans—but the context matters here. UMD is a selective flagship (45% admission rate, 1463 average SAT) where students likely have broader career options, yet this specialized marketing track appears to produce outcomes similar to what less selective Maryland schools achieve in the same field.

The earnings estimate comes from national medians since UMD's graduate sample was too small to report individually. Stevenson University, the only Maryland school with published data in this field, shows graduates earning $30,700—about $5,000 less than what national comparables suggest for this program. If UMD's actual outcomes track closer to state norms rather than national ones, that would push the debt ratio higher and extend the payback timeline significantly.

For a flagship university degree, these projected numbers suggest modest early returns. Parents should recognize they're looking at estimates, not UMD's actual graduate outcomes, and that specialized marketing bachelor's programs don't typically command premium starting salaries regardless of the institution's prestige. The real question is whether this narrow specialization makes sense at a competitive school where broader business or communications degrees might open more doors at similar or better starting pay.

Where University of Maryland-College Park Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations bachelors's programs nationally

University of Maryland-College Park (estimated ±10%)Other specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park$11,505$35,806*—$25,250*—
Stevenson UniversityOwings Mills$39,708$30,701*$44,110$26,345*0.86
National Median—$35,806*—$26,750*0.75
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations graduates

Marketing Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

$159,660/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Models

Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments. May pose for photos to be used in magazines or advertisements. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.

$89,990/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and market conditions.

$78,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Search Marketing Strategists

Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Travel Agents

Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.

$48,450/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Parts Salespersons

Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.

$34,730/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers

Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

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 Maryland-College Park, approximately 19% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 42 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.