Compare 11 Marketing. programs in Tennessee. Average earnings: $42,110.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Marketing tells a different story. Across 11 programs, earnings range from $29,685 to $55,676—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Marketing program leads with graduates earning $55,676, well above the state average of $42,110. Middle Tennessee State University follows closely at $54,938, proving that accessible regional programs can compete with selective institutions. With 68% admission rate versus UT's 46%, MTSU demonstrates strong outcomes without elite selectivity.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UT-Knoxville graduates borrow $20,500 and face an 8.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. However, when parent loans are included, Middle Tennessee State leads with 15.4% family burden compared to UT's 23.1%—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $55,676
Strong outcomes ($54,938) with 68% acceptance
8.5% payment burden | Good
15.4% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $55,676 | 211 | $20,500 | Good | $30,610 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $54,938 | 93 | $20,000 | Good | $14,229 | Manageable | |
| #3 | University Of MemphisPublic | $48,886 | 105 | $23,300 | Manageable | $15,393 | Challenging |
| #4 | Belmont UniversityPrivate | $48,037 | 40 | $20,500 | Good | $72,092 | High |
| #5 | $43,953 | 64 | $15,650 | Good | $11,640 | Challenging | |
| #6 | $41,704 | 25 | $21,024 | Manageable | $13,218 | High | |
| #7 | Union UniversityPrivate | $38,886 | 19 | $20,714 | Manageable | $20,000 | High |
| #8 | $37,181 | 94 | $19,442 | Challenging | $16,938 | High | |
| #9 | Lipscomb UniversityPrivate | $32,925 | 31 | $19,500 | High | $30,298 | High |
| #10 | $31,334 | 43 | $20,547 | High | $14,710 | High | |
| #11 | Freed-Hardeman UniversityPrivate | $29,685 | 14 | $21,500 | High | $19,230 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
