Analysis
Wright State's marketing program shows something unusual: graduates earn less than both the national and Ohio medians initially ($43,722 versus $44,728 nationally and $47,602 statewide), placing them in the 40th percentile among Ohio marketing programs. However, by year four, earnings jump to $56,544βa 29% increase that closes much of that gap and approaches what graduates from Ohio State and Miami earn right out of the gate. This trajectory suggests Wright State graduates may be starting in more junior roles but advancing quickly.
The $26,000 debt load is reasonable, creating a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio even with the modest starting salary. That's actually slightly better than the typical Ohio marketing graduate ($25,000) and substantially below the national median. Combined with Wright State's 95% admission rate and significant Pell Grant population, this accessibility mattersβstudents aren't taking on private-school debt while building careers.
The question is whether your child can weather that first year or two of below-market earnings. If they're comfortable starting lower but confident in their ability to advance (or willing to job-hop strategically), the strong earnings growth and modest debt create a workable path. If they need immediate earning power out of college, programs at Ohio State or Miami deliver $12,000-$15,000 more on day one.
Where Wright State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Wright State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wright State University-Main Campus | $43,722 | $56,544 | +29% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $59,043 | $75,634 | +28% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $56,465 | $69,870 | +24% |
| University of Dayton | $54,504 | $69,513 | +28% |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $47,272 | $64,541 | +37% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (51 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,188 | $43,722 | $56,544 | $26,000 | 0.59 | |
| $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 Wright State University-Main Campus, approximately 33% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 102 graduates with reported earnings and 95 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.