Marketing at McKendree University

Lebanon, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
37
Optimistic
37
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,872/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (54% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (204,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #484 of 502 Marketing programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Marketing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $536K $531K $489K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 37 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$136,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$96,760
29% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,669
51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $34,872/yr fall 23% below the $45,450 national median for Marketing. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 3.9x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Marketing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,000 against $34,872/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #484 ranking among 502 Marketing programs places McKendree University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $34,872-to-$52,669 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About McKendree University

With a 64% acceptance rate, McKendree University is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 1,600 in Lebanon, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at McKendree University →

Top Career Paths

Marketing managers $161,030/yr
Sales managers $138,060/yr
Advertising and promotions managers $126,960/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Marketing at Other Schools

Other Majors at McKendree University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Marketing at McKendree University?
At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Marketing programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Marketing at McKendree University?
The 54% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is McKendree University a good choice for Marketing despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If McKendree University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →