Median Earnings (1yr)
$42,782
38th percentile (40th in MA)
Median Debt
$27,000
11% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.63
Manageable
Sample Size
117
Adequate data

Analysis

UMass Dartmouth's marketing program sits in the middle of a crowded Massachusetts field—not 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 adequately—just 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

University of Massachusetts-DartmouthOther marketing programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 38th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (28 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth$42,782$49,635$27,0000.63
Boston College$66,227$89,379$18,0000.27
Bentley University$60,447$77,885$26,0000.43
University of Massachusetts-Amherst$58,462$62,209$23,7500.41
Assumption University$55,314$62,024$27,0000.49
Stonehill College$50,025$74,083$26,0000.52
National Median$44,728—$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Massachusetts

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Boston College
Chestnut Hill
$67,680$66,227$18,000
Bentley University
Waltham
$58,150$60,447$26,000
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst
$17,357$58,462$23,750
Assumption University
Worcester
$49,414$55,314$27,000
Stonehill College
Easton
$54,500$50,025$26,000

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.