Analysis
UM-Flint's marketing program delivers one of its strongest features in an area that matters most to cost-conscious families: exceptionally low debt loads. At $29,000, graduates leave with about $4,000 less than Michigan peers and roughly $5,000 below the national median. Combined with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65, most students can realistically pay this off within a reasonable timeframe.
The earnings picture tells a more nuanced story. First-year graduates earn $44,379βsquarely at Michigan's median but slightly below the national average. This places the program at the 60th percentile statewide, meaning it outperforms more than half of Michigan's marketing programs. However, the gap with top state programs is substantial: Michigan State and Central Michigan graduates earn $10,000-$13,000 more annually. Earnings do grow to $46,621 by year four, though at a modest 5% pace.
For families balancing affordability with outcomes, this program offers solid middle-ground value. You're getting reasonable post-graduation earnings without the debt burden that could strain budgets for years. The earnings won't match Michigan's flagship programs, but the financial risk is considerably lower. If your child is committed to staying in Michigan and values manageable debt over maximum starting salary, this represents a sensible choice rather than a reach.
Where University of Michigan-Flint Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Michigan-Flint 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 Michigan-Flint | $44,379 | $46,621 | +5% |
| Michigan State University | $57,275 | $78,148 | +36% |
| Central Michigan University | $55,296 | $69,950 | +27% |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | $46,664 | $66,233 | +42% |
| Walsh College | $40,882 | $64,436 | +58% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (31 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,014 | $44,379 | $46,621 | $29,000 | 0.65 | |
| $15,988 | $57,275 | $78,148 | $23,896 | 0.42 | |
| $14,190 | $55,296 | $69,950 | $27,000 | 0.49 | |
| $15,298 | $53,081 | $60,095 | $25,750 | 0.49 | |
| $14,694 | $50,087 | $63,669 | $25,715 | 0.51 | |
| $14,297 | $47,929 | $54,580 | $24,382 | 0.51 | |
| 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 Michigan-Flint, approximately 35% 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 50 graduates with reported earnings and 53 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.