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
Earnings Distribution
How Utah State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State University | $54,562 | $67,969 | +25% |
| Brigham Young University | $64,256 | $83,366 | +30% |
| University of Utah | $56,011 | $68,614 | +23% |
| Utah Valley University | $54,173 | $66,493 | +23% |
| Weber State University | $53,592 | $64,054 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,228 | $54,562 | $67,969 | $13,801 | 0.25 | |
| $6,496 | $64,256 | $83,366 | $10,500 | 0.16 | |
| $9,315 | $56,011 | $68,614 | $20,632 | 0.37 | |
| $6,270 | $54,173 | $66,493 | $12,044 | 0.22 | |
| $6,391 | $53,592 | $64,054 | $18,076 | 0.34 | |
| $8,300 | $52,877 | $61,805 | $21,232 | 0.40 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728 | — | $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 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.