Analysis
Utah Valley University's marketing program punches well above its weight class, delivering 92nd percentile national earnings while keeping debt remarkably low at just $12,044βless than half the national median. That first-year salary of $54,173 means graduates owe just 22 cents for every dollar they earn, a ratio that puts most college programs to shame. Within Utah, the program sits comfortably at the 60th percentile, trailing only BYU and the University of Utah among major state schools while costing significantly less to obtain.
The 23% earnings growth to $66,493 by year four demonstrates solid career trajectory, and the robust sample size confirms these aren't statistical flukes. For context, this program outearns 92% of marketing programs nationwide despite being offered at a regional comprehensive university without the brand cachet of flagship schools.
The value proposition here is straightforward: your child gets near-elite outcomes without elite debt. At roughly $12,000 in loans, graduates can realistically pay off their education within a year or two of working, leaving them free to save for a home, invest, or pursue entrepreneurial ventures without the financial anchor that burdens many college graduates. For families prioritizing return on investment, this program delivers exactly what college is supposed to provide.
Where Utah Valley University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Utah Valley 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 Valley University | $54,173 | $66,493 | +23% |
| Brigham Young University | $64,256 | $83,366 | +30% |
| University of Utah | $56,011 | $68,614 | +23% |
| Utah State University | $54,562 | $67,969 | +25% |
| 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)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,270 | $54,173 | $66,493 | $12,044 | 0.22 | |
| $6,496 | $64,256 | $83,366 | $10,500 | 0.16 | |
| $9,315 | $56,011 | $68,614 | $20,632 | 0.37 | |
| $9,228 | $54,562 | $67,969 | $13,801 | 0.25 | |
| $6,391 | $53,592 | $64,054 | $18,076 | 0.34 | |
| $8,300 | $52,877 | $61,805 | $21,232 | 0.40 | |
| 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 Utah Valley University, approximately 23% 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 185 graduates with reported earnings and 102 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.