Analysis
UMass Dartmouth's marketing program sits in the middle of a crowded Massachusetts fieldβnot exceptional, but financially sensible. Graduates earn $42,782 in their first year, landing around the 40th percentile statewide. That's roughly $4,000 less than the state median but still close to the national benchmark. By year four, earnings climb to $49,635, showing healthy 16% growth. The real advantage here is debt: at $27,000, it's actually slightly above the state median, but the manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 means graduates typically carry less than eight months' salary in loans.
Here's the practical tradeoff: your child won't command the $60,000+ starting salaries of Bentley or Boston College grads, but they also won't face the corresponding tuition bills. For students who need an affordable state school option and don't have the credentials for UMass Amherst (where marketing grads earn $58,462), Dartmouth delivers a straightforward value proposition. The 92% admission rate means access is easy, and with over 100 graduates in this dataset, these earnings figures are reliable.
The bottom line: this program won't differentiate your child in the Massachusetts job market, but it won't saddle them with crushing debt either. If they're considering UMass Dartmouth for in-state tuition reasons, the marketing program performs adequatelyβjust set realistic expectations about starting salary relative to more selective options.
Where University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth 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 Massachusetts-Dartmouth | $42,782 | $49,635 | +16% |
| Boston College | $66,227 | $89,379 | +35% |
| Bentley University | $60,447 | $77,885 | +29% |
| Stonehill College | $50,025 | $74,083 | +48% |
| Suffolk University | $44,424 | $65,958 | +48% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (28 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,208 | $42,782 | $49,635 | $27,000 | 0.63 | |
| $67,680 | $66,227 | $89,379 | $18,000 | 0.27 | |
| $58,150 | $60,447 | $77,885 | $26,000 | 0.43 | |
| $17,357 | $58,462 | $62,209 | $23,750 | 0.41 | |
| $49,414 | $55,314 | $62,024 | $27,000 | 0.49 | |
| $54,500 | $50,025 | $74,083 | $26,000 | 0.52 | |
| National Median | β | $44,728 | β | $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 Massachusetts-Dartmouth, approximately 36% 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 117 graduates with reported earnings and 119 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.