Analysis
Notre Dame's marketing program commands the highest earnings in Indiana while managing debt better than most schools nationally—a combination worth examining closely. Graduates earn $63,906 within a year, outpacing Butler ($60,438) and Purdue ($56,668), and sitting $16,580 above Indiana's median for marketing programs. That 80th percentile ranking among Indiana schools matters financially: your child would likely earn more here than at 4 out of 5 in-state alternatives while paying significantly less in student debt ($19,000 versus Indiana's $25,344 median). The 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about four months of gross income—manageable by any measure.
The real question is whether Notre Dame's premium (12% admission rate, elite peer group) justifies choosing marketing over higher-earning majors at the same school. While these graduates do exceptionally well relative to other marketing programs nationally (95th percentile), marketing itself remains a moderate earner compared to business analytics or finance. Growth to $73,166 by year four is solid but not explosive.
If your child is genuinely drawn to marketing rather than just "business," Notre Dame transforms that choice into a financially sound one. The combination of low debt, strong network effects from a selective institution, and leading Indiana earnings creates genuine career runway. You're not paying a premium for mediocre outcomes—you're accessing the top tier of this field's earning potential.
Where University of Notre Dame Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Notre Dame 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 Notre Dame | $63,906 | $73,166 | +14% |
| Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses | $51,244 | $63,152 | +23% |
| Trine University | $51,244 | $63,152 | +23% |
| Butler University | $60,438 | $61,624 | +2% |
| University of Indianapolis | $45,095 | $60,775 | +35% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $62,693 | $63,906 | $73,166 | $19,000 | 0.30 | |
| $45,980 | $60,438 | $61,624 | $26,000 | 0.43 | |
| $9,992 | $56,668 | — | $19,264 | 0.34 | |
| $35,600 | $51,244 | $63,152 | — | — | |
| $9,576 | $51,244 | $63,152 | — | — | |
| $31,168 | $50,703 | $54,637 | $27,000 | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728 | — | $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 Notre Dame, approximately 12% 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 47 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.