Marketing at University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UNC Charlotte's Marketing program sits right at the median for North Carolina, but that middle-of-the-pack starting point shouldn't overshadow its most compelling feature: unusually strong earnings progression. Graduates see their salaries climb 28% by year four, reaching $55,979—well above what most North Carolina marketing programs deliver at that stage. The debt load of $21,500 is manageable, coming in below both state and national medians, which means graduates aren't burdened while their careers gain momentum.
The tradeoff is the starting salary of $43,619, which lags behind private schools like Elon by over $12,000 initially. But four years out, UNC Charlotte grads have nearly closed that gap while carrying substantially less debt. For students who can afford the patience—and whose families aren't depending on immediate high earnings—this represents a solid bet on career trajectory over quick returns.
The real question is whether your child will stick with marketing long enough to capture that growth. With robust data from 100+ graduates and an accessible 80% admission rate, this program offers a financially rational path for students committed to building marketing careers in Charlotte's growing corporate landscape. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 means graduates can realistically manage payments while their earning power accelerates.
Where University of North Carolina at Charlotte Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
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 North Carolina at Charlotte graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 43th 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 North Carolina
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (22 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | $43,619 | $55,979 | $21,500 | 0.49 |
| Elon University | $55,893 | $75,472 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
| North Carolina A & T State University | $48,042 | $57,147 | $27,375 | 0.57 |
| Meredith College | $45,883 | — | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| North Carolina Wesleyan University | $45,880 | — | $26,354 | 0.57 |
| East Carolina University | $45,870 | $60,002 | $24,992 | 0.54 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elon University Elon | $44,536 | $55,893 | $21,500 |
| North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro | $6,748 | $48,042 | $27,375 |
| Meredith College Raleigh | $43,936 | $45,883 | $27,000 |
| North Carolina Wesleyan University Rocky Mount | $35,536 | $45,880 | $26,354 |
| East Carolina University Greenville | $7,361 | $45,870 | $24,992 |
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 North Carolina at Charlotte, approximately 34% 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 285 graduates with reported earnings and 261 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.