Marketing at Western Washington University

Western Washington's marketing program combines below-average starting salaries with exceptionally low debt—a trade-off that becomes increasingly attractive over time. Graduates earn $43,375 initially (ranking 40th percentile among Washington marketing programs), but debt of just $17,498 means they're carrying roughly 65% less burden than the national typical marketing graduate. Within four years, earnings jump 44% to $62,280, eventually surpassing what graduates from Washington State and Seattle University initially earn.

The math here favors patience. That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio is excellent for a marketing degree, where many programs saddle students with debt exceeding their first year's salary. While you'll notice the University of Washington system's graduates start $8,000 higher, that gap narrows considerably by year four—and WWU's significantly lower debt load (around $1,200 less than the state median) means your child reaches financial breathing room faster. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates are successfully moving into better-paying marketing roles as they gain experience.

For a family watching costs, particularly with WWU's 91% acceptance rate making it accessible, this represents solid value. Your child won't lead the salary pack on day one, but they'll have manageable debt and clear upward trajectory—a combination that often matters more than a flashy starting number.