Median Earnings (1yr)
$46,239
57th percentile (60th in PA)
Median Debt
$25,606
6% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.55
Manageable
Sample Size
259
Adequate data

Analysis

Pitt's marketing graduates start near the state median but experience impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 43% by year four to reach $66,288. This trajectory distinguishes the program from many marketing degrees that plateau early, and the manageable debt of $25,606 means graduates enter the workforce without financial constraints that might force them into suboptimal first jobs.

The program sits squarely in the middle tier among Pennsylvania schools—outperforming most regional competitors but trailing the elite privates like Penn and Villanova by a considerable margin. Within Pennsylvania's 55 marketing programs, Pitt ranks exactly at the 60th percentile, which combined with its selectivity and resources makes this a solid value proposition for students targeting Pittsburgh's corporate headquarters and agency scene.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 is favorable, and with below-average borrowing relative to national marketing programs, families can feel reasonably confident about the financial mechanics. The robust sample size means these aren't outlier results. For students who can get into Pitt but not the top-tier privates, this program offers a credible path to marketing careers with earnings that accelerate meaningfully after graduation—a pattern that matters more than the starting salary alone.

Where University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusOther 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 Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus graduates earn $46k, placing them in the 57th 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 Pennsylvania

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (55 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus$46,239$66,288$25,6060.55
University of Pennsylvania$82,553$117,639$17,4120.21
Bucknell University$70,868$71,936$26,0000.37
Villanova University$69,633$79,586$26,9620.39
Drexel University$57,838$68,543$27,0000.47
Lehigh University$55,236$85,576$20,5340.37
National Median$44,728—$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
$66,104$82,553$17,412
Bucknell University
Lewisburg
$64,772$70,868$26,000
Villanova University
Villanova
$64,701$69,633$26,962
Drexel University
Philadelphia
$60,663$57,838$27,000
Lehigh University
Bethlehem
$62,180$55,236$20,534

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 Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, approximately 14% 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 259 graduates with reported earnings and 280 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.