Analysis
Oklahoma's flagship marketing program produces graduates who significantly out-earn their peers—starting at $57,331 versus the state median of $41,018 and national median of $44,728. Among Oklahoma's 14 marketing programs, OU ranks at the 80th percentile, earning $13,000 more than the next closest competitor (OSU at $44,366). That earnings advantage only grows over time, with graduates reaching $76,370 by year four—a 33% increase that suggests strong career trajectory.
The $21,500 in typical debt sits slightly below the state median and represents just 38% of first-year earnings, meaning most graduates can realistically tackle repayment while building their careers. For context, debt levels above 50% of starting salary typically create financial stress—this program stays well below that threshold. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these numbers reliable, not a statistical fluke.
For families considering marketing programs in Oklahoma, this represents the clear value leader. You're getting flagship resources and connections at a school with a 77% admission rate, making it accessible without sacrificing outcomes. The earnings premium over peer schools—roughly $13,000 to $19,000 annually—compounds year after year, easily justifying any modest difference in tuition or debt.
Where University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus 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 Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $57,331 | $76,370 | +33% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $82,553 | $117,639 | +43% |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $44,366 | $56,827 | +28% |
| University of Central Oklahoma | $38,628 | $49,915 | +29% |
| Northeastern State University | $39,360 | $40,972 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,595 | $57,331 | $76,370 | $21,500 | 0.38 | |
| $10,234 | $44,366 | $56,827 | $22,250 | 0.50 | |
| $34,100 | $41,590 | — | $22,000 | 0.53 | |
| $25,900 | $40,447 | — | $21,500 | 0.53 | |
| $7,513 | $39,360 | $40,972 | $18,371 | 0.47 | |
| $8,522 | $38,628 | $49,915 | $22,350 | 0.58 | |
| 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 Oklahoma-Norman Campus, approximately 24% 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 124 graduates with reported earnings and 113 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.