Median Earnings (1yr)
$54,173
92nd percentile (60th in UT)
Median Debt
$12,044
50% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.22
Manageable
Sample Size
185
Adequate data

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 $12,044—less 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

Utah Valley UniversityOther 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 Utah Valley University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Utah Valley University graduates earn $54k, placing them in the 92th 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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Utah Valley University$54,173$66,493$12,0440.22
Brigham Young University$64,256$83,366$10,5000.16
University of Utah$56,011$68,614$20,6320.37
Utah State University$54,562$67,969$13,8010.25
Weber State University$53,592$64,054$18,0760.34
Western Governors University$52,877$61,805$21,2320.40
National Median$44,728$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Utah

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Utah schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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 State University
Logan
$9,228$54,562$13,801
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 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.