Analysis
A marketing certificate from UW-Oshkosh comes with an estimated $19,500 in debt—notably lower than the $22,000 typical for similar national programs. Based on peer programs nationally, first-year earnings around $63,500 would put the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.31, which translates to roughly 4-5 months of gross income to cover the credential's cost. That's manageable territory for what appears to be a relatively quick professional credential rather than a full bachelor's degree.
The challenge here is that we're working almost entirely with estimates—this program's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes. What we know about comparable marketing certificates nationally suggests decent entry-level earning potential, but without Wisconsin-specific data or actual outcomes from UW-Oshkosh itself, it's difficult to assess how this particular program performs in the regional job market. Marketing credentials can lead to varied outcomes depending heavily on industry connections and practical experience built during the program.
For parents considering this investment, the lower debt estimate is encouraging, but the lack of reported data means you're placing trust in a program without concrete evidence of its graduate outcomes. Before committing, verify what career services support exists, ask about employer partnerships in the Fox Cities region, and understand exactly what distinguishes this certificate from free or low-cost digital marketing credentials that employers increasingly recognize.
Where University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,212 | $63,549* | — | $19,500* | — | |
| — | $63,549* | — | —* | — | |
| — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| $9,552 | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 |
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 Wisconsin-Oshkosh, approximately 16% 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 national median of 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.