Marketing at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

UMass Amherst graduates nearly $12,000 more annually than the typical Massachusetts marketing graduate—a substantial premium that places this program in the top 20% statewide. At $58,462 in first-year earnings, these graduates outpace not just their state peers but 95% of marketing programs nationally, approaching the earnings of private schools like Bentley while paying roughly a third of the debt. The $23,750 median debt load sits comfortably below what most Massachusetts marketing students carry, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.41—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than five months of gross earnings.

The trajectory remains strong four years out, with earnings climbing to $62,209. While that 6% growth is modest, the high starting point matters more for a marketing degree, where early career momentum often determines long-term trajectory. Among the state's top programs, only Boston College and Bentley produce higher earners, and both come with significantly steeper price tags.

For parents weighing the cost-benefit of a marketing degree—a field often scrutinized for uncertain ROI—this represents one of the clearest financial wins available in Massachusetts. The combination of flagship-level resources, manageable debt, and earnings that rival elite private institutions makes this program exceptionally difficult to beat on value.