Analysis
A $27,000 debt load against first-year earnings around $48,000 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57βwell within the Department of Education's "acceptable risk" threshold. Since Wilberforce's actual graduate outcomes aren't available due to small sample sizes, these figures come from typical marketing programs across Ohio. That statewide median suggests marketing bachelor's graduates in Ohio generally match or slightly exceed the national benchmark of $44,728, positioning these programs as solid mid-tier options.
The challenge for Wilberforce families lies in the comparison gap. Top Ohio programs like Miami University and Ohio State place their marketing graduates into $55,000-$59,000 first-year positionsβroughly $10,000 more than the state median. With 74% of Wilberforce students receiving Pell grants, that income differential matters significantly for repayment comfort and career trajectory. The debt estimates here come from similar Ohio private institutions, which tend to run higher than public university options in the state.
For parents weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest financial viability but not exceptional outcomes. Marketing degrees generally deliver employable skills, and the projected debt burden won't likely be crushing. However, without school-specific data, you're placing trust in Wilberforce's career services and employer connections to deliver results comparable to the Ohio median. Request direct placement statistics and alumni salary information from the admissions office before committing.
Where Wilberforce University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (51 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,776 | $47,602* | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $17,809 | $59,043* | $75,634 | $21,963* | 0.37 | |
| $12,859 | $56,465* | $69,870 | $21,198* | 0.38 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $6,178 | $55,022* | $64,113 | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| 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 Wilberforce University, approximately 74% 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 36 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.