Analysis
Similar marketing programs across Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $46,000—a figure that tracks closely with the national median for this degree. The estimated debt load of $26,000 translates to a manageable 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would need just over half their first year's salary to cover what they borrowed. That's a reasonable starting point for a business degree, though it's worth noting the wide range of outcomes across Pennsylvania schools: elite programs like Penn and Bucknell place their marketing graduates at $70,000-$80,000, while the typical program hovers in the mid-$40,000s.
Westminster's 86% acceptance rate and moderate Pell enrollment (25%) position it as an accessible regional college, which aligns with estimates pointing toward middle-of-the-pack rather than premium outcomes. For families comparing options, the question becomes whether Westminster's specific advantages—campus culture, networks, teaching quality—justify choosing it over other Pennsylvania programs that likely produce similar financial results. The estimates here don't reveal red flags, but they also don't suggest this program will deliver the earning premium that Pennsylvania's top-tier marketing degrees command. If your student thrives in Westminster's environment and plans to work the professional networks available there, the debt load appears workable for typical marketing career paths.
Where Westminster College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,470 | $46,239* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $66,104 | $82,553* | $117,639 | $17,412* | 0.21 | |
| $64,772 | $70,868* | $71,936 | $26,000* | 0.37 | |
| $64,701 | $69,633* | $79,586 | $26,962* | 0.39 | |
| $60,663 | $57,838* | $68,543 | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $62,180 | $55,236* | $85,576 | $20,534* | 0.37 | |
| 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 Westminster College, approximately 25% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 27 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.