Marketing at Utah State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Utah State's marketing program punches well above its weight. Despite the university's 94% admission rate, graduates earn $54,562 in their first year—placing them in the 93rd percentile nationally among marketing programs. More impressive still: they carry just $13,801 in debt, less than a quarter of their first-year salary and dramatically below both the national median ($24,267) and Utah median ($18,076). This combination of strong earnings and minimal debt makes this one of the best value propositions in marketing education.
The earnings trajectory looks solid too, with graduates seeing 25% income growth by year four ($67,969). While Utah State ranks at the 60th percentile among Utah marketing programs—trailing BYU and University of Utah—it's competitive with Utah Valley and Weber State while offering significantly better debt outcomes. For in-state students especially, this represents an exceptional opportunity to enter marketing without the financial burden that typically comes with the degree.
The takeaway for parents: Your child can access quality marketing education that delivers top-tier national outcomes without breaking the bank. The low debt load means graduates have flexibility to take career risks, negotiate for better positions, or pursue additional education—options that peers drowning in loan payments simply don't have.
Where Utah State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
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 Utah State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Utah State University graduates earn $55k, placing them in the 93th 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 Utah
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State University | $54,562 | $67,969 | $13,801 | 0.25 |
| Brigham Young University | $64,256 | $83,366 | $10,500 | 0.16 |
| University of Utah | $56,011 | $68,614 | $20,632 | 0.37 |
| Utah Valley University | $54,173 | $66,493 | $12,044 | 0.22 |
| Weber State University | $53,592 | $64,054 | $18,076 | 0.34 |
| Western Governors University | $52,877 | $61,805 | $21,232 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Utah
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Utah schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University Provo | $6,496 | $64,256 | $10,500 |
| University of Utah Salt Lake City | $9,315 | $56,011 | $20,632 |
| Utah Valley University Orem | $6,270 | $54,173 | $12,044 |
| Weber State University Ogden | $6,391 | $53,592 | $18,076 |
| Western Governors University Salt Lake City | $8,300 | $52,877 | $21,232 |
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 Utah State University, approximately 26% 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 158 graduates with reported earnings and 106 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.