Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,986
45th percentile (60th in TN)
Median Debt
$21,904
10% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.50
Manageable
Sample Size
115
Adequate data

Analysis

University of Memphis marketing graduates earn $48,886 four years out, placing them solidly above the Tennessee median of $40,825 and in the 60th percentile statewide—a meaningful achievement for a school with a 93% acceptance rate. While they start slightly below the national median, the 11% earnings growth over four years shows steady progression, and the $21,904 debt load is actually lower than both state and national averages for marketing programs.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 means graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans within a few years of starting their careers. For Tennessee families, this program delivers better value than most in-state options: it outperforms Tennessee Tech and nearly matches Middle Tennessee State, while coming in at roughly $5,000 less in starting salary than the state's top programs at Belmont and UT-Knoxville. The gap narrows as careers progress.

For parents weighing cost against outcomes, Memphis offers a practical path into marketing careers without excessive debt. The school serves a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients (40%), yet maintains earnings that beat 60% of Tennessee competitors. If your student wants a marketing degree from an accessible state institution with manageable debt and solid mid-career prospects, this program accomplishes exactly that.

Where University of Memphis Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally

University of MemphisOther 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 Memphis graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Memphis graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 45th 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 Tennessee

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (23 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Memphis$43,986$48,886$21,9040.50
Belmont University$46,968$48,037
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville$46,896$55,676$19,5000.42
Middle Tennessee State University$43,612$54,938$20,7080.47
Lipscomb University$41,660$24,6250.59
Tennessee Technological University$39,990$43,953$17,4250.44
National Median$44,728$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Tennessee

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Tennessee schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Belmont University
Nashville
$41,320$46,968
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville
$13,484$46,896$19,500
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro
$9,506$43,612$20,708
Lipscomb University
Nashville
$38,824$41,660$24,625
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville
$10,084$39,990$17,425

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 Memphis, approximately 40% 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 115 graduates with reported earnings and 114 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.