Marketing at University of Scranton

University of Scranton's marketing graduates start below both national and Pennsylvania medians—earning $44,480 in their first year compared to the state's $46,239—but they experience remarkable momentum afterward. The program's 52% earnings growth by year four catapults graduates to $67,589, surpassing all but the top-tier programs in Pennsylvania. With debt at $26,000 (matching the state median and below the national figure), the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 is manageable, particularly when considering where these graduates end up by their mid-20s.

The trajectory matters here more than the starting point. While Scranton ranks only in the 40th percentile among Pennsylvania marketing programs initially, that four-year mark puts graduates ahead of schools like Lehigh and Drexel—institutions that typically carry more cachet. This suggests either strong employer networks that develop over time or graduates who successfully transition into higher-paying roles after gaining initial experience.

For families evaluating this $26,000 investment, the question becomes whether your child can navigate those crucial first few years on a below-average starting salary. If they can—whether through family support, living at home, or careful budgeting—they're positioned to reach earnings that justify the degree within their first half-decade of work. The accessible admission rate (84%) means this strong mid-career outcome is available to a broader range of students than Pennsylvania's elite programs.