Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).
Analysis
UNT's marketing program graduates start below both state and national medians, but the earnings trajectory tells a more optimistic story than the initial numbers suggest. That 26% jump from $43,828 to $55,082 over four years is solid momentum, even if the program still ranks in the 40th percentile among Texas marketing programs. More importantly, graduates carry just $19,540 in debtβsignificantly lower than both the state median ($22,130) and national median ($24,267)βmaking this an accessible path into the field.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 is genuinely manageable, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary. While students at UT-Austin or TCU will likely out-earn UNT grads, they may also face steeper debt loads depending on their aid packages. For families seeking an affordable marketing degree without taking on crushing debt, UNT delivers reasonable value, particularly for students who can leverage Dallas-Fort Worth's marketing and corporate landscape for internships and early career opportunities.
The real question is whether starting in the bottom half of Texas marketing programs matters if the debt stays low and earnings grow steadily. For students willing to hustle early in their careers, this combination of low debt and decent growth potential creates room to build experience without financial panic.
Where University of North Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of North Texas 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 North Texas | $43,828 | $55,082 | +26% |
| Southern Methodist University | $50,790 | $83,357 | +64% |
| Texas Christian University | $68,497 | $81,394 | +19% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $59,428 | $74,178 | +25% |
| Texas Tech University | $49,773 | $64,758 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (57 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,164 | $43,828 | $55,082 | $19,540 | 0.45 | |
| $57,220 | $68,497 | $81,394 | $19,250 | 0.28 | |
| β | $63,570 | $53,053 | $45,070 | 0.71 | |
| $11,678 | $59,428 | $74,178 | $19,625 | 0.33 | |
| $54,844 | $57,162 | $59,964 | $21,775 | 0.38 | |
| $51,352 | $55,928 | $60,350 | $23,500 | 0.42 | |
| 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
Explore Related Programs
Marketing in Texas
- Texas Christian University$68,497
- University of Phoenix-Texas$63,570
- The University of Texas at Austin$59,428
- Baylor University$57,162
- Trinity University$55,928
Explore further
- All Programs covering the principles and practices of managing organizations, finances, and markets. Includes accounting, finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and specialized fields like supply chain and real estate. programs nationwide
- All programs at University of North Texas
- College programs in Texas
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 Texas, 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 252 graduates with reported earnings and 226 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.