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Marketing at Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,977/yr (-12% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (54% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (204,300 openings/yr)

ROI 10.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #236 of 502 Marketing programs Top 50%

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	$627K	$611K	$546K
Earnings Multiple	10.5x	10.2x	9.1x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	57	56	51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$59,808

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$46,368

22% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$28,500

8.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$66,612

67% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,977/yr, Marketing graduates from Western Illinois University land near the $45,450 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Marketing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $28,500 against $39,977/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #236 ranking among 502 Marketing programs places Western Illinois University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $39,977-to-$66,612 earnings arc over five years reflects a 67% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Illinois University

With 75% of applicants admitted, Western Illinois University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 4,939 students in Macomb, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Illinois 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 Western Illinois University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Marketing at Western Illinois University?

At 56/100, Western Illinois University's Marketing program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Marketing at Western Illinois 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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →