Analysis
California marketing programs show striking variability, with top performers like University of Phoenix-California producing first-year earnings above $63,000 while others cluster in the $48-52,000 range. Based on comparable bachelor's programs in the state, Woodbury graduates likely start around $48,200βmiddle of the pack for California but still above the national median of $44,700. The estimated debt load of roughly $23,000 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48, meaning the typical graduate would owe about half their first-year salary.
What makes this analysis particularly uncertain is that we're working entirely from peer dataβboth earnings and debt are estimates derived from similar marketing programs across California, not actual outcomes from Woodbury's graduates. The school serves a notably diverse population (49% receive Pell grants), and outcomes for first-generation or lower-income students in private programs can diverge significantly from state medians. The gap between Woodbury's estimated $48,000 and top California programs' $56-63,000 suggests that school selection matters considerably in marketing.
The bottom line: If these estimates hold, you're looking at a financially viable investment with debt that shouldn't overwhelm early-career earnings. But recognize you're making this decision with limited visibility into how Woodbury's specific program performsβthe actual outcomes could be meaningfully better or worse than the state average suggests.
Where Woodbury University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,886 | $48,229* | β | $22,988* | β | |
| β | $63,570* | $53,053 | $45,070* | 0.71 | |
| $59,241 | $58,493* | $79,997 | $19,712* | 0.34 | |
| $56,444 | $56,313* | $69,411 | $21,375* | 0.38 | |
| $13,160 | $54,286* | $45,421 | $38,234* | 0.70 | |
| $7,424 | $52,072* | $60,322 | $12,304* | 0.24 | |
| 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 Woodbury University, approximately 49% 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 15 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.