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 0.55βmeaning 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
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $47,664 | $57,621 | +21% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $65,224 | $83,360 | +28% |
| Marquette University | $53,415 | $73,964 | +38% |
| Saint Norbert College | $46,934 | $61,542 | +31% |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | $51,621 | $58,813 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (23 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,250 | $47,664 | $57,621 | $26,000 | 0.55 | |
| $11,205 | $65,224 | $83,360 | $20,500 | 0.31 | |
| $48,700 | $53,415 | $73,964 | $26,000 | 0.49 | |
| $9,277 | $51,621 | $58,813 | $21,875 | 0.42 | |
| $8,212 | $51,607 | β | $22,082 | 0.43 | |
| $36,500 | $50,175 | $58,387 | $27,000 | 0.54 | |
| 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 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.