Median Earnings (1yr)
$47,664
64th percentile (60th in WI)
Median Debt
$26,000
7% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.55
Manageable
Sample Size
224
Adequate data

Analysis

UW-Whitewater's marketing program delivers solid mid-tier results at a manageable price point. First-year graduates earn $47,664, which beats the national median by 7% and places above average among Wisconsin's 23 marketing programs. The $26,000 debt load matches the state median exactly, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55—meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans in 13-14 months of dedicated repayment. With robust sample sizes backing these figures, you're looking at reliable data, not statistical noise.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth, with salaries climbing 21% to $57,621 by year four. That's a healthy progression for a marketing career. However, context matters: this program sits firmly in the middle of Wisconsin's options. UW-Madison marketing grads start at $65,224, and several other state schools (Eau Claire, Oshkosh, Carthage) push past $50,000. You're paying less in debt than private alternatives but also earning less out of the gate.

For families prioritizing affordability and reliable outcomes, this represents a safe bet. The 83% admission rate makes it accessible, and the moderate debt combined with decent earnings creates a workable financial picture. If your student isn't targeting Madison or willing to pay Marquette's premium, UW-Whitewater offers a straightforward path to marketing employment without creating financial stress.

Where University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Stands

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

University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterOther 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 Wisconsin-Whitewater graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 64th 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 Wisconsin

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (23 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater$47,664$57,621$26,0000.55
University of Wisconsin-Madison$65,224$83,360$20,5000.31
Marquette University$53,415$73,964$26,0000.49
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire$51,621$58,813$21,8750.42
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh$51,607$22,0820.43
Carthage College$50,175$58,387$27,0000.54
National Median$44,728$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Wisconsin

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison
$11,205$65,224$20,500
Marquette University
Milwaukee
$48,700$53,415$26,000
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire
$9,277$51,621$21,875
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh
$8,212$51,607$22,082
Carthage College
Kenosha
$36,500$50,175$27,000

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-Whitewater, approximately 25% 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 224 graduates with reported earnings and 209 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.