Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,828
44th percentile (40th in TX)
Median Debt
$19,540
19% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.45
Manageable
Sample Size
252
Adequate data

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 debt—significantly lower than both the state median ($22,130) and national median ($24,267)—making 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

University of North TexasOther 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 North Texas graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of North Texas graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 44th 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 Texas

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (57 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of North Texas$43,828$55,082$19,5400.45
Texas Christian University$68,497$81,394$19,2500.28
University of Phoenix-Texas$63,570$53,053$45,0700.71
The University of Texas at Austin$59,428$74,178$19,6250.33
Baylor University$57,162$59,964$21,7750.38
Trinity University$55,928$60,350$23,5000.42
National Median$44,728—$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth
$57,220$68,497$19,250
University of Phoenix-Texas
Dallas
—$63,570$45,070
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin
$11,678$59,428$19,625
Baylor University
Waco
$54,844$57,162$21,775
Trinity University
San Antonio
$51,352$55,928$23,500

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.