Analysis
A $23,500 debt load for a marketing degree isn't alarming on its faceβthe debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 suggests manageable monthly payments. But here's the catch: these figures come from peer programs across Texas, not from actual UIW graduate outcomes. While the estimated $43,941 first-year salary aligns with both the Texas and national median for marketing bachelor's degrees, it's worth noting that Texas marketing programs show enormous variation. Top programs in the state produce graduates earning $55,000 to $68,000, while others clearly fall well below that estimated $44,000 mark.
The uncertainty matters because UIW serves a population where margin for error is slimβ43% of students receive Pell grants, meaning many families are taking real financial risk. Marketing is a field where institutional reputation and alumni networks can significantly impact early career opportunities, and UIW's 93% admission rate positions it as an accessible rather than selective option. Without concrete data on where UIW's marketing graduates actually land, you're betting that their outcomes mirror the Texas middle-of-the-pack rather than clustering toward the lower end.
If your student is set on marketing at UIW, focus on internship quality and career services supportβthese can be the difference between hitting that median and falling short. But recognize you're making this decision somewhat blind, relying on what similar Texas programs typically produce rather than proven outcomes from this specific pathway.
Where University of the Incarnate Word Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (57 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,660 | $43,941* | β | $23,500* | β | |
| $57,220 | $68,497* | $81,394 | $19,250* | 0.28 | |
| β | $63,570* | $53,053 | $45,070* | 0.71 | |
| $11,678 | $59,428* | $74,178 | $19,625* | 0.33 | |
| $54,844 | $57,162* | $59,964 | $21,775* | 0.38 | |
| $51,352 | $55,928* | $60,350 | $23,500* | 0.42 | |
| National Median | β | $44,728* | β | $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 the Incarnate Word, approximately 43% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 41 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.