Marketing at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso's marketing program starts graduates at nearly identical earnings to the national median, but ranks in just the 40th percentile among Indiana schools—a significant gap when elite in-state options like Notre Dame and Purdue produce graduates earning 40-50% more. The program's strength lies in its trajectory: 26% earnings growth to $56,549 by year four demonstrates solid career momentum, though graduates still trail the state's top programs. The manageable $27,000 debt load (lower than 95% of marketing programs nationally) keeps the financial risk contained, with less than seven months of first-year earnings needed to cover the total debt.

For Indiana families, the value calculus is straightforward but requires honest assessment. You're paying private school tuition for outcomes that fall below the state median, yet the debt burden remains reasonable and earnings growth suggests the program effectively prepares graduates for career advancement. If your student has credentials competitive for Purdue (where admission is more selective), the $12,000 earnings difference by year four merits serious consideration. However, for students who prefer Valparaiso's smaller environment and Christian mission, the financial fundamentals aren't alarming—you're trading immediate earning power for other factors while maintaining manageable debt levels. The 92% admission rate means access is straightforward, but don't assume outcomes match those at Indiana's most competitive programs.