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 statewideβa 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
Earnings Distribution
How University of Memphis 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 Memphis | $43,986 | $48,886 | +11% |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $46,896 | $55,676 | +19% |
| Middle Tennessee State University | $43,612 | $54,938 | +26% |
| Belmont University | $46,968 | $48,037 | +2% |
| Tennessee Technological University | $39,990 | $43,953 | +10% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,344 | $43,986 | $48,886 | $21,904 | 0.50 | |
| $41,320 | $46,968 | $48,037 | β | β | |
| $13,484 | $46,896 | $55,676 | $19,500 | 0.42 | |
| $9,506 | $43,612 | $54,938 | $20,708 | 0.47 | |
| $38,824 | $41,660 | β | $24,625 | 0.59 | |
| $10,084 | $39,990 | $43,953 | $17,425 | 0.44 | |
| 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 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.