Marketing at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

UW-Eau Claire's marketing program punches above its weight nationally but faces stiff in-state competition. Starting earnings of $51,621 rank in the 81st percentile nationwide—significantly better than the $44,728 national median—yet this only places graduates at the 60th percentile within Wisconsin. That gap tells you something important: Wisconsin has unusually strong marketing programs across the board, with UW-Madison leading at $65,224 but even mid-tier options like UW-Oshkosh matching Eau Claire's outcomes.

The financial math works in students' favor here. With $21,875 in median debt—about $2,000 less than the national median and $4,000 less than Wisconsin's typical marketing graduate—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 means you're looking at roughly five months of gross pay to cover the total debt load. Earnings growth of 14% through year four suggests stable career progression, reaching nearly $59,000. For a school with a 76% admission rate, these are solid professional outcomes that reflect good employer connections in the region.

If your child is choosing between UW schools specifically, the premium options (Madison or Oshkosh) deliver measurably higher starting salaries. But Eau Claire offers a meaningful discount on debt while still outperforming most marketing programs nationwide. For students who want a cost-effective path into marketing without the pressure of highly selective admissions, this program delivers reliable value.